Evaluating the Natural Refuge Option for VipCot™ Cotton

In 2008, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved Syngenta's request to commercialize VipCot™ cotton.  As a condition of the commercial registration, VipCot™ cotton plantings must be accompanied by a structured non-Bt cotton refuge to manage insect resistance as previously required for all Bt cotton varieties. Subsequently, Syngenta has submitted a request to amend the VipCot™ cotton registration by adding a natural refuge option to insect resistance management plan.  Here we provide an overview of the data and computer modeling results supporting the request to EPA for approval of the VipCot™ cotton natural refuge option.