Effectiveness of Bt Corn Against Corn Earworm
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)
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