Author
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Hellmich Ii, Richard |
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Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 1/7/2003 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Transgenic corn with resistance to European corn borer (ECB) has been commercially available since 1996. Inserting a gene from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) has genetically modified the corn plant to produce a protein that is toxic to many types of moth larvae, particularly ECB. As a biological insecticide, B. thuringiensis has been used for decades for the control of moth, beetle and fly pests. These insecticides are environmentally friendly because they break down rapidly and have no effect on mammals, birds, aquatic life, or beneficial insects. Transgenic Bt corn is welcomed by many growers because it provides yield protection, reduces ear molds and, at least in some areas of the United States, reduces the use of chemical insecticides. Entomologists, however, have been challenged by two main Bt corn issues: insect resistance management and non-target insects. Accordingly, growers have been challenged to be good stewards of the technology by implementing recommended insect resistance management (IRM) practices, plus many have been interested in the non-target insect debates, especially those related to Bt corn and monarch butterflies. This talk outlines current IRM recommendations for moth active Bt corn, and summarizes recent research on Bt corn and monarch butterflies. |
