Resistance of Western Corn Rootworm to Bt Maize
Author Information
Author(s): Aaron J. Gassmann, Jennifer L. Petzold-Maxwell, Ryan S. Keweshan, Mike W. Dunbar
Primary Institution: Iowa State University
Hypothesis
Is the western corn rootworm evolving resistance to Bt maize?
Conclusion
The study found that western corn rootworm populations have evolved resistance to Cry3Bb1 maize, the first case of field-evolved resistance by this pest.
Supporting Evidence
- Fields with severe rootworm injury had higher survival rates on Cry3Bb1 maize.
- Resistance was not observed on Cry34/35Ab1 maize.
- Farmers reported growing Cry3Bb1 maize for at least three consecutive years in problem fields.
Takeaway
Farmers have noticed that some bugs are not dying when they eat special corn designed to kill them, which means the bugs are getting used to it.
Methodology
The study compared survival rates of western corn rootworm in problem fields with severe feeding injury to Bt maize and control fields without such injury.
Potential Biases
Potential bias from farmer-reported data on field conditions.
Limitations
The study focused only on specific Bt maize types and may not represent all Bt crops.
Participant Demographics
Populations of western corn rootworm from various fields in Iowa, USA.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.006
Statistical Significance
p=0.006
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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