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What’s in my Corn? Insect Management Traits in Corn Hybrids

Corn hybrid selection is about more than maturity and agronomic properties.  Many corn hybrids also come with a package of Bt traits for the management of various insects below-ground (for example corn rootworm) and above-ground (for example, corn borer) pests.  These traits can add substantially to the cost of the seed so it’s worth evaluating which ones you really need.  In fields without a consistent history of insect pest pressure Bt traits are an added cost that likely won’t pay for itself.  Sometimes you only need protection against soil pests, sometimes against above-ground pests, and sometimes neither.  But how do you know what Bt traits the various hybrids contain and what insects they are meant to manage?  This can be confusing or hard to figure out.  

There is an excellent resource available to help with this – the Handy Bt Trait Table.  This invaluable reference is written by Dr. Chris DiFonzo at Michigan State University and is updated every year.  In one place it lists what types of Bt are present in which corn hybrids, what insects they are targeted for, and for which insects resistance to a given Bt protein has been documented (leading to a loss of efficacy).  You can find the Handy Bt Trait Table linked on the OSU Ag Insects website.  Check it out to learn which Bt traits are in which hybrids so you can make the most informed and economical decisions for your farm.

https://aginsects.osu.edu/bt-corn-trait-table

 

 

Crop Observation and Recommendation Network

C.O.R.N. Newsletter is a summary of crop observations, related information, and appropriate recommendations for Ohio crop producers and industry. C.O.R.N. Newsletter is produced by the Ohio State University Extension Agronomy Team, state specialists at The Ohio State University and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC). C.O.R.N. Newsletter questions are directed to Extension and OARDC state specialists and associates at Ohio State.