SITUATION

FACTORS TO CONSIDER

• Crop rotation
• Corn rootworm pressure
• Ability to use soil-applied insecticide
• Above-ground pest pressure
• Traits and insecticides used in previous years
• Planting date records

ACTION PLAN

1. Assess your fields and those around you. Gather information to help you predict the level of pest pressure. Keep in mind that continuous corn acres are subject to higher pest populations. Evaluate the rotation of neighboring fields to understand which pests might move to your fields. Planting date history might reveal clues about pest pressure because significantly later plantings can cause the field to act as a trap crop and attract insects.
2. Plan your approach using the Handy Bt Trait Table.¹ This guide summarizes trait packages available in the industry, providing data on Bt proteins contained in each package, refuge requirements, refuge blend options, and pests controlled and suppressed.
3. Ensure trait durability. To ensure durability and longevity of traits, use multiple modes of action and always follow refuge requirements. Blended Bt refuge products such as SmartStax^® Refuge Advanced^® simplify refuge compliance in the Corn Belt² and reduce pest hot spots because the refuge seed is blended in the bag with the Bt-traited seed.
4. Follow best management practices.
   • When planting continuous corn, rotate to different insect protection traits each year or use a stacked trait product with multiple modes of action.
   • When using a single mode of action against corn rootworm, use a soil-applied insecticide at full rates. High rootworm populations might require trait packages with multiple modes of below-ground control, coupled with a soil insecticide.
   • Watch for corn rootworm beetles. If they appear, consider spraying to avoid silk clipping and to reduce next year’s population.
   • Avoid using the same trait more than three consecutive years. Follow refuge requirements.
5. Evaluate your level of control. Scout your field throughout the growing season to determine the effectiveness of your management practices. High insect pressure situations will call for crop rotation or higher levels of management.

SUMMARY