PIP crops resistance management research

A significant increase in genetically modified corn planting driven by biofuel demand is expected for future planted acreages approaching 80% of total corn plantings in 2009. As demand increases, incidence of farmer non-compliance with mandated non-genetically modified refuge is likely to increase for a variety of reasons. Long-term sustainability of genetically modified corn expressing Bt relies on the validity of assumptions underlying IRM models used by the EPA and the ability of EPA to monitor, detect and react to insect resistance when it develops. The EPA is developing a multi-tiered approach that utilizes a stochastic spatially explicit population genetics model for the evolution of insect resistance in temporally and spatially heterogeneous environments and satellite and airborne remote sensing to locate and monitor genetically modified corn in the agricultural landscape. The current status of the EPA IRM monitoring program and integration of IRM models and remote sensed imagery acquired from multi-spectral satellite and airborne hyperspectral sensors for use as a decision support tool will be discussed.