Resources on Bt Hybrid Traits, Refuge Requirements

Resources on Bt Hybrid Traits, Refuge Requirements

March 8, 2012

There is an increasing diversity of traits available in Bt corn hybrids, and correspondingly, an increasing diversity of refuge requirements. Before you plant Bt hybrids, identify their individual insect control and herbicide tolerance traits and determine their refuge requirements.

The following resources will be helpful in finding this information.

  • The first resource to review is the IRM Grower Guide provided by each seed company for its Bt hybrids.
     
  • Another resource, the Handy Bt Trait Table by Dr. Chris DiFonzo (Michigan State University) and Dr. Eileen Cullen (University of Wisconsin, Madison), was just updated in January 2012. It provides a quick overview of current Bt corn hybrid brands, outlining which Bt proteins are in which hybrids, which insects are controlled or suppressed, herbicide tolerance traits, and the percent refuge requirement for each hybrid.
     
  • The National Corn Growers Association has produced an IRM Refuge Calculator in cooperation with the Bt corn seed providers. This tool illustrates the appropriate refuge calculation, the quantity of standard seed bags to buy for both trait and refuge hybrids, and possible planting configurations. Companies currently providing Bt corn hybrids have supplied up-to-date information concerning their products and the associated refuge requirements.This refuge calculator does not replace or supplement the applicable company's IRM Grower Guide in any way. As a grower using this information, you are still obligated to understand and abide by the applicable IRM Grower Guide on planting and Insect Resistance Management.

Bob Wright
Extension Entomologist

 

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