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Remote sensing: A tool for resistance monitoring in Bt crops
Citation:
GLASER, J. A. Remote sensing: A tool for resistance monitoring in Bt crops. Presented at Entomological Society of America National Meeting, San Diego, CA, December 09 - 12, 2007.
Impact/Purpose:
To inform the public
Description:
Corn forecasts anticipated significant increases in transgenic corn plantings in the United States for the 2007 growing season and foreseeable future. Driven by biofuel demand, significant increases in GM corn acreage for the 2007 growing season were expected with future planted GM corn acreage approaching 80% of the corn crop by 2009. Such widespread planting of transgenic corn calls for new approaches to monitor this important crop for development of insect pest resistance to pesticidal traits derived from the microbe, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Remote sensing by aerial and/or satellite imagery is envisioned as a method to provide means of identifying transgenic pesticidal crop distribution in the landscape. Genetically engineered crops containing bacterial gene(s) that express an insecticidal protein from 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. Requirements for FIFRA registration of transgenic pesticidal crops involve a number of stewardship issues, among which crop monitoring for development of insect pest resistance plays a critical role. It is important for current stewardship of PIP crops that crop management practices be able to adapt to new threats and unexpected events related to insect herbivory. Our evolving monitoring system is designed to provide an early warning of pest resistance development using remote sensed imagery. Airborne hyperspectral imagery was collected using a camera mounted in a Cessna 210 aircraft; and has imaged a series of designed corn plantings of known hybrid composition and insect infestation. Our ability to distinguish transgenic hybrids from their nearest relative isolines and determine differing levels of pest infestation will be discussed. Extension of this analysis to satellite imagery (Hyperion) collected contemporaneously with the airborne imagery has shown that infestation effects may be discernable from the space-based sensor. We will also discuss how current remote sensing research can be integrated into a decision support system to assist resistance monitoring efforts.