2011 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) Evaluate Monsanto's new, transgenic RNAi corn using modifications of the Strnad and Dunn (1990) neonate western corn rootworm behavioral host recognition bioassay. Evaluate MON88017-resistant and control strains on MON88017, RNAi, their stack and isoline corn in the greenhouse. Evaluate the selection intensity of MON88017, RNAI corn, their stack, an isoline corn, and a seed mix of the stack and isoline corn. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Laboratory, greenhouse, and field evaluations of Monsanto's new RNAI-based transgenic corn in terms of its interactions with the western corn rootworm, including laboratory and greenhouse evaluations of rootworm strains resistant to Cry3Bb1 corn. 3.Progress Report This research is related to Objective 1 of the parent project: "Develop lines of the western corn rootworm resistant to transgenic corn and investigate the biology, pest/host interactions, and fitness costs of resistant and control colonies as they relate to resistance management and rootworm biology." Transgenic corn with resistance to corn rootworm larval feeding offers a viable alternative to insecticides for managing the most economically important insect pests of corn. Maintaining insect susceptibility to transgenic crops (resistance management) is in the interest of growers, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the industry, but requires an understanding of corn rootworm biology that does not currently exist. For the current project, we are evaluating Monsanto's new, transgenic RNAi corn in behavioral host recognition bioassays and greenhouse assays. Results are proprietary at this point since the RNAi transgenic technology are not commercially available.