ETTER — Tests of several new transgenic corn hybrids with “self- protecting” insecticidal properties on the High Plains should help growers cut production costs by avoiding unnecessary pesiticide applications.
“Transgenic refers to a trait or property inserted into the genes of select corn hybrids,” said Dr. Carl Patrick, an entomologist with the Texas Agricultural Extension Service of Amarillo. Plant geneticists are using a naturally occurring bacteria, Bacillius thuringiensis, dubbed “Bt,” which has a gene toxic to certain insect pests commonly found in the corn field.
Evaluations of Bt corn planted at Texas Agricultural Experiment Station’s North Plains Field have been completed, as have the third year’s plantings.
“The importance of the information coming out of these tests is significant,” Patrick said. “What we learn here will aid growers in deciding which Bt corn hybrids to plant to annually save one to two insecticide applications costing approximately $10 to $20 per acre.”
This work involved the first planting and evaluation for a transgenic crop in the Texas Panhandle. The number of corn hybrids in the tests has grown from five in 1995 to eight in 1996. This year, 23 hybrids are being evaluated.
Patrick will look at the overall performance of Bt corn hybrids that involve natural and artificial infestations of the southwestern corn borer, European corn borer and corn earworm. Two others were added to the mix this season — the western bean cutworm and fall armyworm.
“We now know which Bt hybrids provide excellent control of both generations of southwestern and European corn borer. The work is also showing the ones that aren’t very effective against these particular pests,” he said.
Patrick said that none of the Bt varieties has had much effect on corn earworm.
“This year, our tests should reveal the impact of Bt corn on western bean cutworm and fall armyworm as well as those pests involved from previous years,” he added.
If the Bt technology is successful over the long term and against several types of insect pests common to corn, “this would be yet another way for the grower to lower production costs and eliminate the need for more insecticide applications,” he said.
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