Transgenic
corn affecting IPM
Amy Dunlap, posted Nov. 1, 2006
On
Wednesday Oct. 25, Dr. Von Kaster from Syngenta spoke in Monsanto
Auditorium about transgenic corn and its affects on integrated
pest management. One of the many subject matters that Kaster
touch on was the different meanings surrounding integrated
pest management. He explained that IPM is chemical and biological
control over pests. He said it is also crop protection that
improves economic, social and environmental issues with crops.
Kaster also spoke about the differences in native resistance
versus transgenic resistance to pests, with examples of Syngenta
seed varieties. Another topic that Kaster touched on was the
management of European corn borer with Bacillus thuringiensis
corn. “We have noticed in agricultural areas around
Ames, IA, that the corn borer damage is decreasing, and that
is from the usage of Bt corn.” Bt corn is genetically
modified corn that is resistant to caterpillars.
The last topic that Kaster spoke on was the transgenic corn
as a friend or foe to IPM. He came to the conclusions that
at most levels, transgenic corn and integrated pest management
were effective together. The problems that he spoke of with
transgenic corn and integrated pest management were the release
of secondary pests and complacency on the farm.
The MU Plant Science Seminar Series is a program that is planned
by MU graduate students in the area of plant sciences. The
seminar series brings in top researchers and other professionals
in the plant fields to share their experiences and education
with students and other faculty. A full schedule and additional
information can be found at the Plant
Science Seminar Series Web site..
