Evaluation of Variety Performance with Regard to Bollworm Management in NC

The recent development of bollworm resistance has incentivized some growers to transition to 3-gene varieties, given the alarming costs of diamide sprays generally required for adequate bollworm control in 2-gene varieties, whereas treatment is currently seldom justified for 3-gene varieties. However, a few 2-gene varieties may provide significant yield advantages over some of the newer 3-gene varieties to economically justify the added costs of sprays.  The objective of this research was to quantify and compare the value of both 2- and 3-gene varieties with regard to the additional costs of diamide sprays for 2-gene varieties.