ARS | Publication request: Spatial Distributions of Carabidae in Bt Corn Plots and Soybean Buffer Zone

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Acceptance Date: September 30, 2004
Publication Date: September 30, 2004
Publisher's URL: http://esa.confex.com/esa/2004
Citation: Ellsbury, M.M., Noble, C., Head, G., French, B.W., Fuller, B. 2004. Spatial Distributions Of Carabidae In Bt Corn Plots And Soybean Buffer Zone. Meeting Abstract. Entomological Society Of America, November 14-17, 2004. Salt Lake City, Ut.

Technical Abstract: Because corn rootworms are beetles, a potential exists for adverse effects of rootworm resistant corn on nontarget beneficial beetles. In particular, a major risk factor might be imposed on carabids because they are ubiquitous in the agricultural landscape. The global hypothesis of these studies was that carabid beetle communities would not be affected adversely by introduction of Btn corn into cropping systems. The study site consisted of about 160 acres planted to soybean. Within the soybean, three corn treatments were planted in 2-ha plots: Mon863 (Btn), an isoline (non-Btn) treated with Force (1 lb a.i./acre), and an untreated isoline. Four pitfall traps per plot were placed in the approximate center of the plot quadrats. Additional pitfall traps were placed in soybean alleyways and plot borders to serve as reference points for overall ground beetle activity. The position of each pitfall trap was georeferenced to allow mapping of ground beetle activity levels. Ground beetles were collected weekly and identified to species. There were no significant differences in numbers of ground beetle trapped among treatments, suggesting that presence of MON863 did not affect carabid beetle abundance. Crop-specific spatial variation was apparent for some species. Pending further analysis, there appear to have been no adverse effects on carabid beetles associated with the MON863 plots.