Movement of adult western corn rootworm (WCR) beetles within and between isolated transgenic (MON863) corn plots and adjacent soybean fields was monitored throughout the growing season. Rates of movement away from MON863 corn plots were determined based on detection of Cry3Bb protein (expressed in MON863 plant tissues) in the gut contents of WCR collected at various distances from isolated Cry3Bb sources. DetectableCry3Bb protein is cleared from the WCR gut within 16 hours after transgenic corn consumption; movement rates were calculated based on the distances from isolated transgenic corn at which Cry3Bb-positive WCR were collected and the 16 hour detection window. MON863 tissue consumption apparently does not affect WCR vigor or movement tendencies. Approximately 20% of WCR from non-transgenic corn plots and soybean fields adjacent to MON863 plots were positive for Cry3Bb protein. 85-93% of WCR adults were found to move less than or equal to 9.1 meters/day away from MON863 corn. These results suggest refuges for WCR in transgenic corn should be narrow, in-field strips. Detection of transgenic plant tissues in the bodies of mobile insect herbivores represents a novel application of biotechnology to the study of insect movement.
Species 1: Coleoptera Chrysomelidae Diabrotica Virgifera Virgifera (western corn rootworm)
Keywords: transgenic corn, crop rotation
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