Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) has evolved resistance to insecticidal toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Berliner (Bacillales: Bacillaceae) expressed in genetically engineered corn, Zea mays L.This study provides an overview of field trials from Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina evaluating Bt and non-Bt corn hybrids from 2009 to 2022 to show changes in susceptibility in H. zea to Bt corn.The reduction in kernel injury relative to a non-Bt hybrid averaged across planting dates generally declined over time for Cry1A.105 + Cry2Ab2 corn. In addition, there was a significant interaction with planting date used as a covariate.The reduction in kernel injury remained above 80% and did not vary with planting date from 2009 to 2014, whereas a significant decline with planting date was found in this reduction from 2015 to 2022. For Cry1Ab + Cry1F corn, the reduction in kernel injury relative to a non-Bt hybrid averaged across planting dates did not vary among years.The reduction in kernel injury significantly declined with planting date from 2012 to 2022. Kernel injury as a proxy for H. zea pressure was greater in late-planted trials in non-Bt corn hybrids. Our study showed that Bt hybrids expressing Cry1A.105 + Cry2Ab2 are now less effective in later planted trials in reducing H. zea injury; however, this was not the case during the earlier years of adoption of corn expressing these 2 toxins when resistance alleles were likely less frequent in H. zea populations.The implications for management of H. zea and for insect resistance management are discussed.
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22 July 2024
Longitudinal trials illustrate interactive effects between declining Bt efficacy against Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and planting dates of corn
Francis P. F. Reay-Jones,
G. David Buntin,
Dominic D. Reisig,
C William,
Bridges Jr.
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Journal of Economic Entomology
Vol. 117 • No. 5
October 2024
Vol. 117 • No. 5
October 2024
Bacillus thuringiensis
corn earworm
maize
transgenic crop