Researchers report that the widespread adoption of insect-resistant Bt field corn was associated with reductions in the number of insecticide sprays recommended to control European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis) and corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea), total insecticide applied, and crop damages from these pests on pepper, green bean, and sweet corn crops in the mid-Atlantic United States, suggesting that vegetable growers may benefit from regional pest suppression due to Bt corn adoption.
###
Article #17-20692: "Regional pest suppression associated with widespread Bt maize adoption benefits vegetable growers," by Galen P. Dively et al.
MEDIA CONTACT: P. Dilip Venugopal, University of Maryland, College Park, MD; tel: 203-751-2662; e-mail: <venugopal.dilip@gmail.com>
Journal
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences