Similar Cry proteins are expressed in both Bt corn, Zea mays L., and cotton, Gossypium hirsutum (L.), commercial production systems. At least one generation of corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), completes development on field corn in the Mid-South before dispersing across the landscape into other crop hosts like cotton. A concern is that Bt corn hybrids may result in selection for H. zea p...

Transgenic corn producing Cry1Ac toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) provides effective control of Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée), and thus reduces insecticide applications. However, whether Bt corn exerts undesirable effects on non-target arthropods (NTAs) is still controversial. We conducted a 2-yr study in Shangzhuang Agricultural Experiment Station to assess the potentia...

The European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis Hübner (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) has been a major pest of corn and other crops in North America since its accidental introduction nearly a hundred years ago. Wide adoption of transgenic corn hybrids that express toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis, referred to as Bt corn, has suppressed corn borer populations and reduced the pest status of this insect i...

Seasonal fluctuations in field populations of Meloidogyne incognita, Pratylenchus zeae, P. brachyurus, Criconemoides ornatus, Trichodorus christiei, and Helicotylenchus dihystera on monocultured corn, cotton, peanut, and soybean were determined monthly for 4 yr. Population densities of M. incognita were greater in corn and cotton plots than in peanut and soybean plots from July until January. T...

I’ve had a few calls as well as personnel observations regarding “worms” and their damage in corn ears. European corn borer seems to be making a bit of a comeback. Although these reports have been locally heavy, they have not been widespread. Western bean cutworm complaints have certainly increased from previous year, especially on traited corn. Fall armyworms, which migrate to Wisconsin, had a...

Biotechnology is offering farmers new crop production opportunities and challenges. Prior to selecting a transgenic variety, farmers must consider the cost of the technology fee, possible yield drag, potential pest infestations, possible reductions in pesticide costs, refuge requirements to minimize the development of insect resistance, and adjustments in cultural practices. Moreover, crop segr...

In order to fully utilize remote sensing to inventory crop production, it is important to identify the factors that affect the accuracy of Landsat classifications. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of scene characteristics involving crop, soil, and weather variables on the accuracy of Landsat classifications of corn and soybeans. Segments sampling the U.S. Corn Belt were...