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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Columbia, Missouri » Plant Genetics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #73183
Title: MANAGING EUROPEAN CORN BORER WITH AND WITHOUT BT TRANSGENIC CORN

Author
item Barry, B
item FOSTER, J - UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI

Submitted to: Annual Meeting Central States Entomological Society
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/24/1996
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis Hubner, has been responsible for an annual economic loss to the corn, Zea mays L., industry in the United States since it was described in 1917. Early efforts to control this pest relied on cultural practices such as stalk destruction and early planting and some biocontrol with parasites, predators and diseases. Even though efforts to develop corn plants genetically resistant to European corn borer began in the 1920's with some results, the introduction of effective insecticides reduced the significance of resistance investigations. However, several researchers realized the potential of plant resistance to this insect and persevered. Their efforts have resulted in resistance being the primary control tactic for borer management. We have been able to obtain insect control benefits from genetically engineering through biotechnology, namely transgenic (Bt) plants. This new technology is here and hopefully, it can be managed in a manner to make it durable. Application of this technology in all corn growing areas is not practical nor wise and consequently legislative management should not be necessary in the majority of the corn growing areas. Bacillus theiringiensis (Bt) engineered corn plants are a monumental advancement in European corn borer management, but cultural practices, biological control agents and native resistance will continue to be very significant.