2012 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416): The purpose of this project is to assess the effects of resistance alleles on the frequency, timing, and survival of European corn borer (ECB) larvae after interplant movement. 1b.Approach (from AD-416): The studies will entail measuring ECB larval movement and survival when larvae are able to move and feed among various combinations of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and nonBt corn plants or various combinations of artificial diet formulated with or without Bt. None of the research conducted under this collaboration involve field release of any insect materials identified in this science plan. 3.Progress Report: Research was conducted over two field seasons to determine how first and second generation European corn borer injury to blended [growing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)-corn and non-Bt-corn plants side-by-side] refuge plants compare to injury on plants in separate, pure stand non-Bt-corn refuge plantings. Research also compared the efficacy of growing. 1)pyramided Bt-corn (corn with more than one type of insect toxin in their tissues) next to blended refuge, to. 2)pyramided plants in pure stand plantings. Each season corn was planted into small replicated plots. The experiments were completed and reports were provided to the cooperator. The project is related to the objective “Improve knowledge of the ecology, genetics, and behavior of corn pests such as corn borer, corn rootworm, and western bean cutworm in relation to pest abundance and insect resistance to transgenic corn” of the in-house project (3625-22000-017-00D).