PERFORMANCE OF BG/RR AND RR VARIETIES IN SYSTEMSTRIALS ACROSS THE MID-SOUTH AND SOUTHEAST

摘要

Following several years of light to moderate Lepidopteran insect pressure in cotton in the Mid-South and Southeast, the valueof Bollgard~R technology is being questioned by many growers. Since the demand for Roundup Ready~R varieties remainsvery high across these regions, most growers need information regarding the value of planting Bollgard~R/Roundup Ready~R(BR) varieties over Roundup Ready~R (RR) varieties. Systems trials were established that directly compared BR varieties andRR varieties planted in the same field, but managed for their respective transgenic technology across the two regions.Average yield and crop value performance of BR varieties were significantly greater than that for RR varieties, regardless ofsub-region (Lower Southeast, Upper Southeast, Lower Mid-South, Upper Mid-South) or maturity classification (earlymaturity of full season). After considering estimated total insect control costs, including insecticide costs, application costs,and Bollgard~R technology fees, BR varieties provided an additional $20.34 to $63.75 per acre relative to the RR varieties.The highest difference between technology types was found in the Lower Mid-South sub-region. The lowest difference,though still positive, was found in the Upper Mid-South sub-region. Differences in net value per acre between BR and RRvarieties in the Southeast ranged from $30 to nearly $40.