Mycotoxins Evaluation in Different Bt Corn Traits

Occurrence of Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium sp. lead to the development of mycotoxins in ear rot such as Aflatoxin and Fumonisis, respectively. Pathogens may infect the ear by wounds caused by insects. Southwestern corn borer (Diatraea grandiosella) and earworm (Helicoverpa zea) are insects that commonly feed in the ears of corn. Bt traits are the most effective method of control for these insects. Currently different Bt traits are pyramided into corn hybrids to improve efficacy and manage insect resistance. In this study our goal was compare different Bt traits of control of D. grandiosella and H. zea, and evaluate their impact on ear rot disease and mycotoxin production.