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ADVANCES IN THE APPLICATION OF REMOTE SENSING TO PLANT INCORPORATED PROTECTANT CROP MONITORING
Citation:
GLASER, J. A. ADVANCES IN THE APPLICATION OF REMOTE SENSING TO PLANT INCORPORATED PROTECTANT CROP MONITORING. Presented at Pioneer, Inc, Johnston, IA, July 17, 2007.
Impact/Purpose:
To inform the public
Description:
Current forecasts call for significant increases to the plantings of transgenic corn in the United States for the 2007 growing season and beyond. Transgenic acreage approaching 80% of the total corn plantings could be realized by 2009. These conditions call for a new approach to monitor this important crop for the development of pest resistance. Remote sensing by aerial and/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. Using hyperspectral imagery collected from a camera mounted in a Cessna 210 aircraft; our research has imaged a series of designed corn plantings of known hybrid composition. The ability to distinguish transgenic hybrids from their nearest relative isolines and determine differing levels of pest infestation will be discussed. Our evolving monitoring system is designed to provide an early warning of pest resistance development. It is important for current stewardship of PIP crops that crop management practices be adaptive to new threats and unexpected events. The extension of current research into a decision support system for implementation of remote imagery to assist resistance monitoring efforts will be discussed.