Urbana, Illinois
April 4, 2008
University
of Illinois Extension
The
Bulletin No. 2 Article 2 / April 4, 2008
What do we know about Optimum AcreMax 1
Insect Protection? Not much.
Many of us at universities learned about
the proposed system at the same time as everyone else, so we can't
answer most of the questions posed about it. However, I will point out
one key phrase in all of the marketing pieces you probably have seen:
Pending EPA approval.
The Optimum AcreMax 1 Insect Protection system (in
its simplest form, a refuge-in-the-bag for rootworm resistance
management) has not been approved by the EPA. So for anyone considering
their own refuge-in-a-bag for Bt corn in 2008: don't -- it's not legal.
Time will tell whether this proposed system passes the EPA's "acid
test," which will require input from insect resistance management and
rootworm experts. Until then, requirements for insect resistance
management for rootworm Bt corn remain the same as they have been since
2003, when hybrids were approved for commercial use--20% non-rootworm Bt
corn within the same field as the rootworm Bt corn, or in an adjacent
field.
To Pioneer's credit, their informational publications (e.g., Walking
Your Fields) include detailed explanations of current refuge guidelines
and an overview of the Compliance Assurance Program. However, the timing
of their announcement just before planting leaves a bit to be desired.
There already is enough confusion about refuges and insect resistance
management without adding a not-yet-approved approach for insect
resistance management.
For a concise explanation of insect resistance management requirements
for Bt corn for control of both rootworms and corn borers, visit the
National Corn Growers Association Web site and look for "Importance of
Managing Bt Technology.".
by Kevin Steffey
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