Bt Trait Efficacy Against Corn Earworm, Helicoverpa zea, (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) for Preserving Grain Yield and Reducing Mycotoxin Contamination of Field Corn
2024

Effectiveness of Bt Corn Against Corn Earworm

publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Barton William Yancey, Buntin George David, Toews Micheal D., Zhang Tiantao

Primary Institution: University of Georgia

Hypothesis

Only those Bt hybrids expressing the Vip3Aa20 protein will effectively reduce corn earworm infestations.

Conclusion

Bt corn hybrids expressing the Vip3Aa20 protein significantly reduced corn earworm infestations and grain fumonisin contamination but did not reduce aflatoxin contamination.

Supporting Evidence

  • Bt hybrids expressing Vip3Aa20 provided substantial corn earworm control and kernel damage prevention.
  • Older Bt corn without the Vip3Aa20 trait did not control corn earworm effectively.
  • Grain fumonisin contamination was positively associated with earworm damage.

Takeaway

This study shows that a special type of corn can help keep bugs away and make the corn safer to eat by reducing bad stuff that can grow on it.

Methodology

Field experiments were conducted at two locations per year in Georgia over two years to evaluate the efficacy of various Bt hybrids against corn earworm.

Limitations

The study was limited to specific locations and may not represent all growing conditions.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.0001

Statistical Significance

p<0.0001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3390/insects15120914

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