Project Number: 6402-22000-035-40
Project Type: Specific C/A

Start Date: Jun 01, 2003
End Date: Dec 31, 2005

Objective:
The broad objectives of this cooperative research project are to evaluate potential contributions of non-selected (not subject to control by the transgenic Bt endotoxin) bollworm (BW) and tobacco budworm (TBW) moths in crop and non-crop host plants, and to study the economics of transgenic Bt resistance management plans for cotton. Specific objectives of the university cooperator are (1) to study development of non-selected populations of BW and TBW in crop hosts (soybean, corn, and cotton), (2) to determine the potential of remote sensing techniques for detection and quantification of both wild and crop hosts of BW and TBW, and (3) to study the economic impact of regulated transgenic Bt resistance management plans in cotton.

Approach:
Objective 1 - Field experiments will be established on the research farm of Delta Research and Extension Center. Treatments will be plantings of cotton, corn, and soybean. Other treatment variables will be planting date, variety, and maturity group (soybean). Observations will include at least weekly counts and collections of BW and TBW larvae. In addition, areawide monitoring for TBW/BW larval populations on various hosts will be conducted by ARS and DREC. Objective 2 - Radiometry and imagery data will be obtained with a spectroradiometer (hand-held), multispectral camera (aircraft mounted), and hyperspectral camera (aircraft mounted). These data will be archived in an accessible format, processed to extract or calculate values and to calculate relevant indices, and analyzed for correlation to crop host plants and wild host plants of interest. Results will be used to develop a system of identification and quantification of the host plant species in the agro-ecosystem. Objective 3 - Costs of various aspects of transgenic Bt resistance management plans will be evaluated for impact on returns to use of the transgenic Bt technology. Methods will be developed for attributing value to delayed development of resistance and for attributing cost to such factors as reduced yield in non-Bt refuges, impact on future new technology development, and reduced market competition.

Project Team

Adamczyk, John Aubrey Harris - Entomologist 662-686-5250

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003

Related National Programs

Plant, Microbial & Insect Genetic Res., Genomics, & Genetic Improv. I (301)   Crop Protection & Quarantine (304)