*This content was previously published by Corteva Agriscience.
The first generation of Bt traits were introduced in 1996 to protect corn against stalk-boring insects. Pest protection has come a long way since, and today’s products, such as PowerCore® Enlist® corn, offer multiple Bt traits to help provide effective pest protection for control of susceptible insect populations with an integrated refuge.
Bt corn hybrids express insecticidal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) — a common soil bacterium. Different Bt proteins work against different types of insects, such as lepidopteran insects (European corn borer) or beetles (corn rootworms). Using corn hybrids with different Bt proteins — like you’ll find in PowerCore Enlist corn — can help preserve efficacy since insects are less likely to develop resistance to more than one toxin at the same time
Some insect populations have been reported to have decreased susceptibility to certain Cry1 traits, which are used in many above-ground technologies. PowerCore Enlist corn includes three proteins: Cry1A.105, Cry2Ab and Cry1F. The mode of action such as (Cry2Ab) slows down resistance development against certain pests. The combination of traits in PowerCore Enlist corn includes three modes of action, helping provide trait durability for better long-term management of pests. Multiple MOAs are useful for protecting against variable insect pressures and against pests that are problematic in specific regions, including sugarcane and southwestern corn borers.
Another benefit of multiple Bt traits in one hybrid is a smaller refuge requirement. The original single-trait Bt products required large, structured refuges of 20%‑50%. But combining of Bt such as those found in PowerCore Enlist corn, increases product durability and allows for a reduced refuge requirement of only 5%-10%.*
Corn hybrids with a pyramid of Bt proteins, like those found in PowerCore Enlist corn, can be helpful for customers facing multiple pest pressures who want to preserve the long-term efficacy of their insecticide options. Learn more about PowerCore® Enlist® corn
* In EPA-designated cotton counties, additional 20% corn borer refuge is required
™ ® Trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. POWERCORE® is a registered trademark of Monsanto Technology LLC. POWERCORE® multi-event technology developed by Corteva Agriscience and Monsanto. Always follow IRM, grain marketing and all other stewardship practices and pesticide label directions. Bt products may not yet be registered in all states. Check with your seed representative for the registration status in your state. Product responses can vary by location, pest population, environmental conditions and agricultural practices. Please contact your Corteva Agriscience sales professional for information and suggestions specific to your operation. Individual results may vary. Various factors, including pest pressure, reduced susceptibility and insect resistance in some pest populations may affect efficacy of certain corn technology products in some regions. To help extend durability of these technologies, Corteva Agriscience recommends you implement integrated pest management (IPM) practices such as crop rotation, cultural and biological control tactics (including rotating sources of Bt‑protected corn traits), pest scouting and appropriate use of pest thresholds when employing management practices such as insecticide application. You must also plant the required refuge when using these technologies. Please contact your sales professional or consult with your local university extension for more information regarding insect resistance management guidelines, best management practices and to understand whether there has been a shift in susceptibility or insect resistance with certain pests documented in your area. Liberty®, LibertyLink® and the Water Droplet Design are registered trademarks of BASF. ®Roundup and Roundup Ready are registered trademarks of Bayer Group. Always read and follow label directions
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