Bt resistance by western corn rootworm: challenges and considerations for managing pests with less than a high-dose Bt crop

摘要

The western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, is a major pest of maize in the United States and is currently managed with maize that produces insecticidal toxins derived from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Recent cases of field-evolved resistance to Bt maize by this pest offer insights into the challenges that can arise when a Bt crop does not produce a high dose of toxin. Additionally, interactions between Bt maize and western corn rootworm provide a model for considering how pests might be managed with Bt crops that produce less than a high dose.