Yield analysis and corn earworm feeding in Bt and non-Bt corn hybrids across diverse locations.
J Econ Entomol
; 117(4): 1503-1509, 2024 Aug 12.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38832396
ABSTRACT
Corn, Zea mays L. (Poales Poaceae), growers in the US Cotton Belt are required to plant 20% of total corn acres to non-Bt hybrids for resistance management (non-Bt refuge). Most growers do not meet this requirement, in part, because they perceive non-Bt hybrids to yield less than Bt hybrids. We planted multiple non-Bt and Bt hybrids from a single company in small-plot replicated trials at a single location from 2019 to 2023, as well as in small-plot replicated trials at multiple locations during 2022 and 2023. In the single location, we measured kernel injury from corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea Boddie (Lepidoptera Noctuidae), and we recorded yield at all locations. In the single location trial, yields only separated among hybrids in 3 out of 5 years. In the multiple location trial, yields were variable between both years. We found that Bt hybrids tended to yield higher than non-Bt hybrids overall, but this was influenced by the inclusion of non-Bt hybrids that had a lower overall genetic yield potential in the environments we tested them in. In both tests, when hybrids were analyzed during each year, both Bt and non-Bt hybrids were among the statistically highest yielders. Our study demonstrates the importance of comparing multiple Bt and non-Bt hybrids to draw yield comparisons. This highlights the need for corn seed company breeders to put effort into improving yield for non-Bt hybrids. Hopefully this effort will translate into increased planting of non-Bt refuge corn for growers in the US Cotton Belt.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Plantas Modificadas Genéticamente
/
Zea mays
/
Mariposas Nocturnas
Límite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Econ Entomol
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Estados Unidos
Pais de publicación:
Reino Unido