You are here:
AN APPROACH TO TRANSGENIC CROP MONITORING
Citation:
GLASER, J. A. AN APPROACH TO TRANSGENIC CROP MONITORING. Presented at Workshop on Current Research and Cooperative Opportunities between EPA and NASA, Huntsville, AL, November 29 - 30, 2006.
Impact/Purpose:
To inform the public
Description:
Remote sensing by aerial or satellite images may provide a method of identifying transgenic pesticidal crop distribution in the landscape. Genetically engineered crops containing bacterial gene(s) that express an insecticidal protein from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are regulated by EPA under the Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Crops, containing transgenic pesticidal traits, have been recognized by EPA to be “in the public good,” due to their potential to create higher crop yields with fewer insecticide applications. EPA requirements for FIFRA registration of transgenic pesticidal crops include a number of stewardship issues, among which crop monitoring for development of insect pest resistance plays a critical role. The ability to distinguish transgenic hybrids from their nearest relative isolines and potentially determine differing levels of pest infestation detection will be discussed. Our evolving monitoring system is designed to provide an early warning of pest resistance development. It is important that crop management practices be adaptive to new threats and unexpected outcomes. The extension of current research into this system will also be discussed with reference to possible areas of collaborative research.