European corn borer resistance to transgenic Bt corn in Minnesota

Fei Yang

The European corn borer (ECB), ostrinia nubilalis, is a significant pest of corn in North America, and once caused substantial yield losses and economic damage. The use of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) proteins in genetically modified (GM) corn has been an effective tool for controlling ECB infestations. The emergence of Cry1F resistance in Canada poses a severe risk for further spread across North America, as well as accelerates resistance evolution to other Bt traits. The extent of ECB resistance to the Bt proteins is not known in Minnesota. There is great concern that Bt resistant allele frequency may be increasing, yet no data exists to support or refute this speculation. In this proposal, we will conduct surveys to detect ECB resistance to Bt protein. We will conduct F2screens to measure Bt resistance allele frequencies in ECB and establish resistant populations of ECB. Additionally, we will determine the cross-resistance, and inheritance of resistance in different resistant populations of ECB to assess resistance risks in ECB to transgenic Bt corn. Results generated will provide essential data to assist growers in management of ECB using Bt technologies within the state.