Bayer debuts 43 new DEKALB, Asgrow products for 2026

The DEKALB and Asgrow seed brands are releasing 43 new products for the 2026 season, offering farmers exclusive genetics and advanced trait protection to boost field performance and return on investment.

The 2026 DEKALB corn lineup will feature 29 new products, including an expanded offering of hybrids with SmartStax PRO Technology — Bayer Crop Science’s first trait package with three modes of action targeting corn rootworm. In addition, the lineup includes new products with VT4PRO Technology, which Bayer says is its most comprehensive insect protection package to date.

For growers managing heavy corn rootworm pressure, DEKALB hybrids with SmartStax PRO and RNAi Technology offer improved defense against rootworm feeding and enhanced protection from above-ground insects. Meanwhile, VT4PRO combines Trecepta Technology with multiple below-ground modes of action to help control moderate rootworm populations and other key pests.

“We’re very excited about the strength of our 2026 new product lineup,” said DEKALB brand manager Jamie Horton. “The combination of the brand’s exclusive genetics, developed through Bayer’s industry-leading breeding program, and advanced insect protection traits will help farmers maximize their yield potential and return on investment.”

All new DEKALB products for the upcoming season will include Acceleron N-314 seed treatment as standard. The treatment blends Votivo and fluopyram to combat nematodes, offering what Bayer says is the only current nematocidal seed treatment combining a biological and a chemistry for field corn.

Asgrow will also introduce 13 new soybean products built on the XtendFlex trait platform. Based on the Roundup Ready 2 Xtend Technology, the XtendFlex soybeans provide growers with more flexibility in managing tough-to-control weeds like waterhemp, Palmer amaranth, and marestail.

Of the new Asgrow offerings, five XtendFlex products will include tolerance to specific sulfonylurea herbicides for added weed management options. Additionally, one new conventional variety will be available for farmers who prefer a non-traited option.

Brittany Eubank, Asgrow brand manager, emphasized that all new Asgrow XtendFlex products will come treated with the Acceleron Solutions Offering and offer built-in agronomic defenses against key early- and mid-season soybean diseases.

“The Asgrow brand has an unwavering focus on soybeans and how we can produce high performance and return on investment for farmers,” Eubank said. “We’re pleased to offer our robust 2026 new product lineup, which further strengthens that commitment.”