Overcoming Build-up of Insect Resistance Against Bt
University of Illinois professor of entomology and crop science extension coordinator Mike Gray suggested alternative measures in the light of increasing infestation of corn rootworm beetles in Bt corn expressing Cry3Bb1. The incidence started in the western Cass County in 2011 and similar reports have surfaced in other North Central states, particularly in Iowa. This situation could come up during continuous Bt corn use (at least 10 consecutive years). In Cass County, Bt corn with Cry3Bb1 had been used since 2007, thus the selection pressure for resistance development is increased markedly.
Dr. Gray suggested that it is important to integrate management practices such as: 1) the rotation of corn with other crops, 2) rotation of Bt traits from season to season, 3) the use of a non-Bt hybrid along with a soil insecticide at planting, and 4) use of refuges when planting a Bt hybrid.
Check out the news at http://cropsci.illinois.edu/news/bt-corn-root-injury-confirmed-and-exceptionally-early-western-corn-rootworm-adu.
This article is part of the Crop Biotech Update, a weekly summary of world developments in agri-biotech for developing countries, produced by the Global Knowledge Center on Crop Biotechnology, International Service for the Aquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications SEAsiaCenter (ISAAA)
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