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A Rapid and Efficient Method for Assessing Pathogenicity of Ustilago maydis on Maize and Teosinte Lines
Published on: January 3, 2014
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Linking land use patterns and pest outbreaks in Bt maize.
Coy R St Clair1, Aaron J Gassmann1
1Department of Entomology, Iowa State University, 2310 Pammel Drive, 339 Science Hall II, Ames, Iowa, 50011, USA.
Summary
Landscape analysis reveals continuous maize cultivation, especially near problem fields, accelerates western corn rootworm resistance to Bt maize. This highlights the need for landscape-level strategies in pest management.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Entomology
- Pest Management
- Landscape Ecology
Background:
- Western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera) is a major maize pest.
- Larval resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) maize (Cry3Bb1) emerged in 2009.
- The influence of surrounding landscape on Bt resistance development is unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between landscape land use and western corn rootworm resistance to Cry3Bb1 maize.
- To determine if continuous maize cultivation in surrounding areas contributes to resistance.
Main Methods:
- Geospatial analysis of land-use data in circular buffers around "problem fields" (fields with high injury/resistance).
- Calculation of continuous maize cultivation proportions within buffers and comparison to control points.
- Analysis of statewide continuous maize cultivation trends (2003-2018) and correlation with maize price.
Main Results:
- Areas surrounding problem fields showed significantly higher continuous maize cultivation, particularly within 1.6 km.
- Statewide continuous maize cultivation increased from 2003-2018.
- Increased continuous maize cultivation correlated with higher average annual maize prices.
Conclusions:
- Continuous cultivation of Cry3Bb1 maize in local landscapes, influenced by maize value, likely facilitated Cry3Bb1 resistance selection.
- Land use in surrounding areas impacts resistance evolution rates.
- Landscape-level perspectives are crucial for enhancing western corn rootworm resistance management strategies.
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