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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Ames, Iowa » Corn Insects and Crop Genetics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #187121
Title: INTEGRATION OF BT MAIZE IN IPM SYSTEMS: A U.S. PERSPECTIVE

Author
item Hellmich Ii, Richard
item CALVIN, DENNIS - PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIV.
item RUSSO, JOSEPH - ZEDX, INC.
item Lewis, Leslie

Submitted to: International Symposium on Biological Control of Arthropods
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/26/2004
Publication Date: 9/12/2005
Citation: Hellmich II, R.L., Calvin, D.D., Russo, J.M., Lewis, L.C. 2005. Integration of Bt maize in IPM systems: A U.S. perspective. In: Proceedings of the Second International Symposium on Biological Control of Arthropods, September 12-16, 2005, Davos, Switzerland. 1:356-361.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) maize has become increasingly popular with United States (U.S.) growers since it was commercially available in 1996. Yield protection, reduced need for insecticides, improved grain quality, and ease of use are benefits that motivated growers to plant 32 percent of total acres to Bt maize in 2004. Rapid adoption of a technology raises many questions concerning product longevity and how the technology will influence the maize agricultural ecosystem. Overuse could result in the development of resistant insects or economic populations of secondary pests, or influence populations of non-target organisms. Grower strategies for using Bt maize in the U.S. vary regionally and depend on targeted and secondary pests, cropping practices, and insect resistance management requirements. A challenge for scientists and educators has been to try to keep grower recommendations uniform and grounded in principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The talk will highlight a project funded by the United States Department of Agriculture Risk Avoidance and Mitigation Program (USDA–RAMP) that uses site-specific high-resolution information to help merge transgenic technology with traditional insect IPM tools.