Why Plant a Corn Refuge?

When you look at a bag of corn seed, somewhere you’ll find information about corn refuge requirements. In many areas it’s included in the bag but for those states or varieties without the in-bag option make sure you’re following refuge requirements.

But seriously, why plant a refuge?

Bt (bacillus thuringiensis) corn is a critical technology for many farmers to protect fields against insects. Refuge helps preserve the benefits of Bt technology, according to Take Action, an education platform for farmers.

“The insects that feed on the non-Bt crop remain susceptible to Bt technology. In the rare instance that an insect that feeds on the Bt crop survives after feeding on Bt corn, the only insects to mate with are Bt-susceptible. This means that the resistance gene will be less likely to be passed along to offspring, preserving the effectiveness of the Bt technology,” Take Action explained in a recent bulletin.

What kind of refuge should you plant?

Again, look to your seed bag to make sure you’re following label requirements. There are many refuge configurations available for farmers. Take Action provides a visual of the eight options.

Note, in cotton-growing counties a separate, structured refuge is required.

Bottom Line.

There is a ripple effect if resistance hits an area. The goal of refuge is to slow the spread of resistance by not allowing resistant pests to breed with each other and pass it on to offspring. Take Action says planting refuge is critical for the following reasons:

• The history and consequences of herbicide resistance have demonstrated the need to be extra cautious of the possibility of pesticide resistance in Bt corn.
• Planting a refuge helps protect the ability to grow Bt corn long-term and allows farmers to reap the profits season after season. also, it’s the law.
• If these varieties are not properly managed, the consequences/impacts to long term profitability are direct and serious. No one wants to see Bt traits stop working for them.
• The time and money spent toward the refuge provides an extended ROI, even if it’s not immediately visible: farmers can continue to use high-yield, Bt varieties for many years to come.
• The ultimate goal is to avoid the failure of Bt traits to control the most damaging corn insects.