Borers take big bite out of 2005 yields

摘要

DAVE Nanda knew his eyes didn't deceive him. Four different versions of the same hybrid stood before him, yet one looked so different that few people would have suspected it had nearly the same genetics as the other three. Same genetics with one majorexception: It contained the Bt corn-borer trait. Bt plants were untouched while sister versions literally fell apart. What's even more amazing is that Nanda saw the same trend in two different hybrids. Plots were planted in late May, much later than other corn in the area. That's what attracted corn borers, entomologists say. Early planted and late-planted corn are most vulnerable. There are no guarantees corn borers will show up, but they certainly did in the Stewart Seeds plot near Greensburg, Ind.