5 MIN READ

Comparing Corn Rootworm Trait Platforms

December 13, 2020

TRIAL OBJECTIVE

  • The corn rootworm complex, (Western corn rootworm, Northern corn rootworm, and Mexican corn rootworm) is commonly referred to as the ‘billion-dollar pest complex’ due to it’s potential to adversely affect yield.

  • Various companies offer several choices of corn products that contain Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) proteins to control corn rootworm.

  • With this is mind, the Bayer Learning Center at Monmouth, Il conducted a demonstration to compare the effectiveness of several competing pyramided corn products containing more than one Bt protein active against corn rootworm.

RESEARCH SITE DETAILS

Research report site details
  • This demonstration consisted of six total treatments including three different competitive trait platforms, each containing a 5% refuge blend of a non-Bt corn product:
    • Treatment 1: a 114 RM VT Double PRO® RIB Complete® corn blend
    • Treatment 2: a 114 RM SmartStax® RIB Complete® corn blend (same genetic background as Treatment 1)
    • Treatment 3: a 113 RM SmartStax® RIB Complete® corn blend
    • Treatment 4: a 103 RM Pioneer® brand Qrome® product, P0306Q Brand
    • Treatment 5: a 103 RM Pioneer® brand Optimum® AcreMax® XTreme product, P0306AMXT Brand (same genetic background as Treatment 4)
    • Treatment 6: a 113 RM Agrisure Duracade® product, NK1354-5222 E-Z Refuge Brand
  • Each treatment had two replications.
  • This trial was conducted in a field area that was in its third year of corn with a prior history of rootworm feeding.

UNDERSTANDING THE RESULTS

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Figure 1. Average yield (bu/acre) per treatment.

  • All products with CRW trait protection yielded higher than Treatment 1, which contained no trait protection for CRW.

  • There are many variables affecting yield, such as genetics and RM, but in this trial both SmartStax® RIB Complete® corn blend products (Treatment 2 and Treatment 3) yielded higher than the competitive trait platforms (Treatments 4, 5, and 6).

KEY LEARNINGS

  • SmartStax® RIB Complete® corn blend products contain two proteins for corn rootworm control to help maximize yield potential.

  • An effective corn rootworm management program should consist of multiple best management practices. This could include an effective pyramided trait corn product such as SmartStax® Technology.

  • Consult with your local Field Sales Representative or Technical Agronomist for custom tailored recommendations to fit your specific needs.

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