Genetically-engineered (GE) plants with resistance to insect pests were first commercially sold in the U.S. in 1996. These maize hybrids were unique because they produced their own insecticide, a protein from the bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), that targeted the European corn borer. Subsequently in 2003 GE maize hybrids with resistance to corn rootworm beetles were introduced. One of the primary benefits of these crops has been reduced use of synthetic chemical insecticides. However, insect resistance to Bt threatens sustainability of this technology. Some insects have become resistant to Bt crops, while others have not: two distinctive types. This talk will provide an overview of lessons learned regarding insect resistance with a focus European corn borer and corn rootworm, and current developments toward managing insect resistance in GE crops. Corn rootworm, in particular, is newsworthy and was the subject of a recent EPA Science Advisory Panel.

A tale of two insects: Managing insect resistance to genetically-engineered crops

248th National Meeting (2014)

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