We evaluated the potential affects of Bt cotton on arthropod diversity in Arizona in a two year field study. Experimental plots were planted in Pima and Graham county Arizona. A complete block design was used and each block consisted of the following three treatments: 1) non-Bt, 2) Bt, and 3) a mix of Bt (75%) and non Bt (25%). A total of four blocks were planted, two in each county. Individual plots were approximately 3 ha. Fields were sampled once in 2001 and twice in 2002. Whole plant samples were taken by placing a muslin tube with draw strings at both ends over the plant. The bottom draw string was drawn tight around the base of the plant and the top of the bag was tucked loosely around the base of the plant. Plants were then left undisturbed for twenty four hours to allow arthropods to return. After twenty four hours the top of the bag was pulled over the top of the plant and the top draw string was closed. Thus, all of the arthropods on the plant at the time of sampling were caught. The bagged plants were removed from the field and all arthropods collected and identified to family. A total of 120 plants were collected in each treatment during the course of the study for a total of 360 plants. Analyses will be conducted to determine the influence of Bt on arthropod abundance, diversity, and community composition.
Species 1: Bacillales Bacillaceae Bacillus thuringiensis
Keywords: Cotton, biodiversity
Back to Ten-Minute Papers, Section Cd. Behavior and Ecology, Cf. Quantitative Ecology
Back to Ten-Minute Papers, Section Ca, Cb, Cc, Cd, Ce, and Cf
Back to The 2003 ESA Annual Meeting and Exhibition