Bt crops have helped Canadian growers manage insect pests for more than two decades. Unfortunately, the development of resistance to these Bt corn hybrids is inevitable, but growers can slow this from happening and prolong the life of these important tools by practicing Integrated Pest Management (IPM). This approach uses multiple tools, such as cultural, biological and mechanical controls, to manage key pests within a long-term strategy. These strategies are described further in this factsheet. Growers should also work closely with crop experts such as seed company agronomists, provincial extension specialists, or other crop advisors to develop specific plans that work for their farms. Start today and take it one field at a time.

BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (BMPs)

Almost 80% of growers consider insect resistance management practices to be very important.1

Scouting fields for insect damage, as an IRM requirement, continues to have both low awareness (44%) and the lowest compliance (69%).1

Growers should report to their seed company
any unexpected damage, based on past performance (e.g. an increase in number of pests).

Mode of Action or MOA is dependent on the specific genes expressed in the plant. Consult the Bt traits table or your crop advisor for more information.

FOLLOW THESE STEPS WHEN YOU EXPERIENCE INSECT DAMAGE IN YOUR BT CORN

You can do these steps with the help of your seed company representative, provincial extension specialist, crop advisor, and/or agronomist.

Watch this video to learn more about managing insect resistance in Bt corn:

MITIGATION ACTIONS

The mitigation strategy is developed by a team of experts and will not be one size-fits-all. Measures will be dependent on which hybrids are impacted, what tools are available to the grower, and the extent of the issue. The trait developer will communicate any needed mitigation measure with the grower and all relevant stakeholders. Some common mitigation practices could include:

CORN ROOTWORM

  • Rotate to a non-host crop.
  • Scout your fields to know what is there.
  • Use a pyramid MOA (i.e., multiple MOAs against the same pest). For more information please see the factsheet: Bt Corn 101
  • If using a single MOA, be sure to plant the appropriate refuge area and rotate the Bt trait.
  • Consider use of a foliar insecticide.

EUROPEAN CORN BORER

  • Rotate crop or trait.
  • Scout your fields to know what is there.
  • Use a pyramid MOA.
  • Consider an insecticide to reduce population density.
  • Destroy corn stalks in the field at the end of the season.

1 Bt Corn Insect Resistance Management Study, iFusion Research, August/September 2019

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This information is brought to you by CropLife Canada and the Canadian Corn Pest Coalition.