Progress 07/01/01 to 06/30/04
Outputs
Field and laboratory studies were conducted to assess the yield performance of Bt-corn hybrids relative to their near isoline and leading non-Bt hybrids across multiple production zones in the Northeast. In addition, studies were conducted to determine if Bt-corn isoline base genetics and leading conventional hybrid genetics were equally susceptible to injury from European corn borer. Using this information and a region wide survey of European corn borer infestation levels, the economic value of Bt-corn hybrids to Northeast corn producers was estimated. Finally, using information from the above studies, an extension publication is being developed to assist corn producers make rational decisions about the economic value of using these hybrids. Following is a summary of key finding from this research/extension project: 1) On average Bt-corn hybrids yielded 5.5% more than their near isoline and the leading non-Bt hybrids. However, this advantage was not consistent across
all locations and hybrids. 2) Both Bt isolines and conventional lead hybrid genetics are equally susceptible to injury from European corn borer feeding. 3) As planting date was delayed, the impact on yield increased. 4) There was no consistent, measurable difference in European corn borer yield impact across annual precipitation levels. 5) The European corn borer economic analysis model accurately predicted the average expected loss relative to measured field losses (model - 2.69% loss per larva; field measurement - 2.66% loss per larva). 6) The average economic return to Bt-corn technology over the isoline was $4.34 per acre, but varied from -$1.26 to $9.96 per acre between fields at the 95% confidence level. 7) The average economic return to the technology over the lead non-Bt hybrid was $6.14 per hectare, but varied from -$1.36 to $10.92 per acre between fields at the 95% confidence level. Again, there was no statistical difference in Bt-corn hybrid yield advantage over the non-Bt
and isoline hybrids. 8) There was a statistical difference in incidence of ear rot caused by Fusarium fungi between the Bt and isoline hybrids, but there was no statistical difference between the two hybrid types for ear rot severity. 9) No significant differences in fumonisin levels were observed between Bt and isolines but overall fumonisin levels were low and would not be a threat to livestock or humans. 10) European corn borer infestation frequencies across Pennsylvania and Maryland are similar to the long-term national frequencies measured by the NC-205 regional research committee. However, European corn borer infestation frequencies in New York were lower than in Pennsylvania and Maryland.
Impacts
The results of this work will have significant impact on corn production in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic region. This is the only project that provides a comprehensive evaluation of Bt-corn hybrid value, including the influence of pathogens and mycotoxins on corn quality. Farmers will be provided with recommendations on how to properly select a hybrid for European corn borer management, which geographic locations in the region are likely to gain an economic benefit from the technology, which fields are the best candidates for the technology, and which planting dates will likely benefit the most from the technology. Because Bt-corn technology has an economic cost, making the proper decision will help the farmer's profitability.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
Field and laboratory studies were conducted to assess the yield performance of Bt-corn hybrids relative to their near isoline and leading non-Bt hybrids across multiple production zones in the Northeast. In addition, studies were conducted to determine if Bt-corn isoline base genetics and leading conventional hybrid genetics were equally susceptible to injury from European corn borer. Using this information and a region wide survey of European corn borer infestation levels, the economic value of Bt-corn hybrids to Northeast corn producers was estimated. Finally, using information from the above studies, an extension publication is being developed to assist corn producers make rational decisions about the economic value of using these hybrids. On average Bt-corn hybrids yielded 5.5% more than their near isoline and the leading non-Bt hybrids. However, this advantage was not consistent across all locations and hybrids. Both Bt isolines and conventional lead hybrid
genetics are equally susceptible to injury from European corn borer feeding. There was no consistent, measurable difference in European corn borer yield impact across annual precipitation levels. The European corn borer economic analysis model accurately predicted the average expected loss relative to measured field losses (model - 2.69% loss per larva; field measurement - 2.66% loss per larva). The average economic return to Bt-corn technology over the isoline was $4.34 per acre, but varied from -$1.26 to $9.96 per acre between fields at the 95% confidence level. There was a statistical difference in incidence of ear rot caused by 'Fusarium' fungi between the Bt and isoline hybrids, but there was no statistical difference between the two hybrid types for ear rot severity. No significant differences in fumonisin levels were observed between Bt and isolines but overall fumonisin levels were low and would not be a threat to livestock or humans.
Impacts
The results of this work will have significant impact on corn production in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic region. This is the only project that provides a comprehensive evaluation of Bt-corn hybrid value, including the influence of pathogens and mycotoxins on corn quality. On completion of the project, farmers will be provided with recommendations on how to properly select a hybrid for European corn borer management, which geographic locations in the region are likely to gain an economic benefit from the technology, which fields are the best candidates for the technology, and which planting dates will likely benefit the most from the technology. Because Bt-corn technology has an economic cost, making the proper decision will help the farmer's profitability.
Publications
- Dillehay, B. L. 2003. Incorporating Bt corn hybrids into field crop integrated pest management programs of Pennsylvania and Maryland. M.S. Thesis. The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA. 113 pp.
- Dillehay, B. L., Roth, G. W., Calvin, D. D., Kratochvil, R., Kuldau, G. A., and Hyde, J. A. 2004. Performance of Bt corn hybrids, their near isolines, and leading corn hybrids in Pennsylvania and Maryland. Accepted in Agronomy Journal.
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Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
Significant progress was made in the project. A lead Bt-corn hybrid, its nearest isoline, and a lead non-Bt line were provided by five seed technology companies and tested for pest and yield. These studies were conducted at three locations in Pennsylvania and two locations in Maryland. For each hybrid the number of ECB per plant, yield, test weight and moisture level at harvest was measured. Analysis of the data indicated that the Bt-corn hybrids significantly reduced the number of ECB per plant, but did not necessarily out yield its isoline and non-Bt lead. For some company material at some locations, the lead or isoline out-performed the Bt-corn hybrid. Small yield differences in 2002 were partly due to the extremely dry conditions at some test locations. Average yield across all sites was 98.0 bushels per acre. Over the three years of the study, the Bt-corn hybrids have averaged a 7.38 bushels per acre yield advantage over the other hybrids. However, this
difference was associated with a couple of company's products. Currently, data collection on fungal pathogen intensity and severity and mycotoxin levels is being collected. In addition, the final economic analysis of this information is underway.
Impacts
The results of this work will have significant impact on corn production in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic region. This is the only project that provides a comprehensive evaluation of Bt-corn hybrid value, including the influence of pathogens and mycotoxins on corn quality. On completion of the project, farmers will be provided with recommendations on how to properly select a hybrid for European corn borer management, which geographic locations in the region are likely to gain an economic benefit from the technology, which fields are the best candidates for the technology, and which planting dates will likely benefit the most from the technology. Because Bt-corn technology has an economic cost, making the proper decision will help the farmer's profitability.
Publications
- Dillehay, B. L., Roth, G. W., Calvin, D. D., Kuldau, G. A., Hyde, J. A. and Kratochvil, R. 2002. Performance of Bt corn hybrids, their near isolines, and leading corn hybrids in Pennsylvania and Maryland. In Abstracts of Technical Papers, N.E. Branch ASA, July 11-14, Morgantown, WV, ASA, Madison, WI. p. 4.
- Dillehay, B. L., Roth, G. W., Calvin, D. D., Kuldau, G. A., Hyde, J. A. and Kratochvil, R. 2002. Performance of Bt corn hybrids, their near isolines, and leading corn hybrids in Pennsylvania and Maryland. In Proc., Northeast Corn Improvement Conference, Virginia Beach, Feb 11-13, 2002. p. 24-28.
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Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01
Outputs
The first study was designed to investigate the economic value of Bt-corn hybrids in different production areas of the northeast and Mid-Atlantic region. In this study, a lead Bt hybrid, its near isoline, and a lead non-Bt hybrid were compared for five seed companies at four geographic locations. Yield, number of larvae per plant, tunnels per plant, test weight were measured. The result from two years of data suggested that genetics from a couple of companies were responsible for most of the yield difference that favored the Bt hybrids by 8.2 bushels per acre. Bt hybrids from the other three companies did not perform any better than the non-Bt hybrids.
Impacts
The work provides farmers with information to help them make sound hybrid selections for their geographic area, reducing economic and environmental risks. It also helps Cooperative Extension agents provide sound management recommendations.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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