China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs has granted approval for Bayer’s genetic event MON 87411 for import and food and feed uses, representing the final key authorisation for the commercialisation of SmartStax PRO maize. With this approval, Bayer expects a full commercial launch of SmartStax PRO maize in the US in 2022, and in Canada in 2023. SmartStax PRO provides control of coleopteran pests, including corn rootworm, and lepidopteran pests including European corn borer, southwestern corn borer, fall armyworm, black cutworm, and corn earworm. The MON 87411 genetic event provides corn rootworm resistance through the expression of DvSnf7 dsRNA, a novel RNAi-based mode of action that allows for targeted control of corn rootworm. Monsanto originally gained US EPA approval for the MON 87411 genetic event in late 2015 (see AgbioNews Oct 26, 2015).