ARS | Publication request: Evaluations of Bollgard, Bollgard II, and Widestrike technologies against beet and fall armyworm larvae (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Submitted to: Florida Entomologist
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: October 29, 2008
Publication Date: December 1, 2008
Citation: Adamczyk Jr, J.J., Greenberg, S.M., Armstrong, J.S., Mullins, W.J., Braxton, L.B., Lassiter, R.B., Siebert, M.W. 2008. Evaluations of Bollgard, Bollgard II, and Widestrike technologies against beet and fall armyworm larvae (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Florida Entomologist. 91(4):531-536.

Interpretive Summary: Different cotton lines that contained various insecticidal properties (Bollgard®, Bollgard II® and WideStrike® traits) were grown in 2005 and 2007 to examine the activity against two caterpillar pests (beet and fall armyworms). Results suggest that certain traits are more active against these armyworm species than others. Possible reasons for these differences in activity are discussed.

Technical Abstract: Transgenic cottons containing the Bollgard®, Bollgard II® and WideStrike® traits were grown in 2005 and 2007 to examine the efficacy against beet [Spodoptera exigua (Hübner)] and fall armyworms [S. frugiperda (J. E. Smith)]. Results suggest that both dual-gene traits are more efficacious against these armyworm species than Bollgard®. In these studies, WideStrike® appears to be more efficacious against fall armyworms than Bollgard II®, while Bollgard II® is more efficacious against beet armyworms than WideStrike®. Possible reasons for these differences in efficacy are discussed.