START: 01 JUL 2001 TERM: 30 JUN 2004 FY: 2004 GRANT YR: 2001
GRANT AMT: $55,695
INVESTIGATOR: Calvin, D. D.; Roth, R.; Kuldau, G.; Hyde, J.
PERFORMING INSTITUTION:
ENTOMOLOGY
PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY
208 MUELLER LABORATORY
UNIVERSITY PARK, PENNSYLVANIA 16802
INCORPORATING BT-CORN HYBRIDS INTO FIELD CROP IPM PROGAMS
NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: Bt-corn hybrids have been commercially marketed to farmers since 1996. These hybrids provide excellent control of European corn borer infestations, but their economic value to corn growers is less clear. Given the pending introduction of new corn rootworm transgenic hybrids that will also contain the gene for Bt toxins for European corn borer, it is important to determine if both genes are of economic value to growers. this research focuses on evaluating the value of the gene for Bt against European corn borer. The purpose of this project is to conduct a comprehensive economic evaluation of Bt-corn hybrid value to grower's in the northeastern U.S.
OBJECTIVES: 1. Assess yield performance of Bt-corn hybrids relative to near isoline and leading conventionally bred hybrids across multiple crop production zones of the northeastern region. 2. Compare the relatiohship between European corn borer larval numbers per plant and percentage yield reduction of lead conventional and transgenic corn hybrid near isolines. 3. Conduct a survey of first and second generation European corn borer densities across the region 4. Assess the economic value of Bt-corn hybrids in an IPM program versus conventionally bred lead hybrids 5. Develop a publication on the economic value of Bt-corn hybrids in the northeastern United States and conduct in-field extension demonstrations of the technology.
APPROACH: The project will provide quantitative information on the performance of Bt-corn hybrids marketed in the northeast corn production areas relative to traditionally bred non-Bt hybrids. Two methods will be used: 1) a comparision between five companies lead Bt-hybrid, its near isoline, and the companies lead non-Bt hybrid will be conducted at six sites in the northeast over two years and 2) isolines of Bt hybrids and lead non-Bt hybrids will be artificially infested at several ECB infestation levels to compare the yield response. Once the relationships between ECB infestation level and yield loss are established, we will use ECB infestation information obtained over a two year period in the northeast to determine the average loss from the pest by subregion and develop a stochastic economic model to simulate the expected returns to the technology. After this analysis is complete, an extension publication will be written that provides growers with information on the economic value of Bt-corn hybrids. This information will then be used to support extension IPM programs in the northeast.
PROGRESS: 2001/07 TO 2004/06
Field and laboratory studies were conducted to assess the yield performance
of Bt-corn hybrids relative to their near isoline and leading non-Bt hybrids
across multiple production zones in the Northeast. In addition, studies were
conducted to determine if Bt-corn isoline base genetics and leading conventional
hybrid genetics were equally susceptible to injury from European corn borer.
Using this information and a region wide survey of European corn borer infestation
levels, the economic value of Bt-corn hybrids to Northeast corn producers was
estimated. Finally, using information from the above studies, an extension publication
is being developed to assist corn producers make rational decisions about the
economic value of using these hybrids. Following is a summary of key finding
from this research/extension project: 1) On average Bt-corn hybrids yielded
5.5% more than their near isoline and the leading non-Bt hybrids. However, this
advantage was not consistent across all locations and hybrids. 2) Both Bt isolines
and conventional lead hybrid genetics are equally susceptible to injury from
European corn borer feeding. 3) As planting date was delayed, the impact on
yield increased. 4) There was no consistent, measurable difference in European
corn borer yield impact across annual precipitation levels. 5) The European
corn borer economic analysis model accurately predicted the average expected
loss relative to measured field losses (model - 2.69% loss per larva; field
measurement - 2.66% loss per larva). 6) The average economic return to Bt-corn
technology over the isoline was $4.34 per acre, but varied from -$1.26 to $9.96
per acre between fields at the 95% confidence level. 7) The average economic
return to the technology over the lead non-Bt hybrid was $6.14 per hectare,
but varied from -$1.36 to $10.92 per acre between fields at the 95% confidence
level. Again, there was no statistical difference in Bt-corn hybrid yield advantage
over the non-Bt and isoline hybrids. 8) There was a statistical difference in
incidence of ear rot caused by Fusarium fungi between the Bt and isoline hybrids,
but there was no statistical difference between the two hybrid types for ear
rot severity. 9) No significant differences in fumonisin levels were observed
between Bt and isolines but overall fumonisin levels were low and would not
be a threat to livestock or humans. 10) European corn borer infestation frequencies
across Pennsylvania and Maryland are similar to the long-term national frequencies
measured by the NC-205 regional research committee. However, European corn borer
infestation frequencies in New York were lower than in Pennsylvania and Maryland.
IMPACT: 2001/07 TO 2004/06
The results of this work will have significant impact on corn production in
the Northeast and mid-Atlantic region. This is the only project that provides
a comprehensive evaluation of Bt-corn hybrid value, including the influence
of pathogens and mycotoxins on corn quality. Farmers will be provided with recommendations
on how to properly select a hybrid for European corn borer management, which
geographic locations in the region are likely to gain an economic benefit from
the technology, which fields are the best candidates for the technology, and
which planting dates will likely benefit the most from the technology. Because
Bt-corn technology has an economic cost, making the proper decision will help
the farmer's profitability.
PUBLICATIONS: 2001/07 TO 2004/06
No publications reported this period
PROJECT CONTACT:
Name: Calvin, D. D.
Phone: 814-863-4640
Fax: 814-865-3048
Email: dcalvin@psu.edu
URL: http://www.cas.psu.edu