Economic of Transgenic Crops Studied

LANSING - Apr 4/05 - SNS -- Researchers at the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) are studying the economics of managing weeds and corn rootworm in transgenic corn hybrids with conventional insect and weed management strategies

MAES weed scientist Jim Kells argues, "As more and more of these products come to the market, it is important that we look at the results and efficacy of the stacked-trait corn and also the economics of these systems.

"Stacking both insect and herbicide resistance traits into a single corn hybrid offers new strategies for insect and weed management for Michigan corn producers," he continued. "We wanted to really explore the economic impact these new strategies could have vs. more conventional types of weed and insect control."

Clark Gerstacker, Corn Marketing Program of Michigan (CMPM) treasurer and Midland corn grower, who also serves as chairperson of the National Corn Growers Association Research and Business Development Action Team, said there is a need for this type of research project. The CMPM helped support Kells' three-year research project.

The research was also supported by Project GREEEN (Generating Research and Extension to meet Economic and Environmental Needs), a cooperative effort by plant-based commodities and businesses in cooperation with MSUE, the MAES and the Michigan Department of Agriculture.

"As growers have the opportunity to use new technologies such as stacked transgenics to possibly improve production techniques, it is vital that we assess the true economic impact on production costs," Gerstacker said. "As transgenic crops become more and more widely accepted around the world, we have to invest in these types of projects to ensure we continue to be players in the global market."

In 2004, four field sites with different levels of pest infestation were established. Transgenic and conventional weed management strategies involved preemergence and postemergence herbicide applications and herbicide selection based on scouting. Techniques to control corn rootworm included a resistant hybrid, a conventional soil-applied insecticide and seed treatment.

"The data generated through this research will be the basis of recommendations on the adoption and utilization of these technologies, which should lead to greater production efficiency and profitability," Kells explained. "This study will provide the information needed to determine those situations in Michigan where the cost of stacked resistance traits is economically justified."