Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

MINUTES: 2015 Meeting of the Multi-State Regional Research Committee NC-205 Ecology and Management of European Corn Borer and Other Lepidopteran Pests of Corn

San Antonio, TX January 28-29, 2015

Menger Hotel 204 Alamo Plaza San Antonio, TX 78205 210-223-4361

Wednesday, January 28, 2015 1:35 - Meeting called to order by Chair, Tom Hunt (NE)

Local arrangements by Ed Bynum (TX) and Pat Porter (TX)

Brasilia was discussed as a possible location for next year will be decided by email vote of Appendix E members. Discussed the advantages of going to Brasilia. We have a precedent for meeting outside of the country. Cost for a flight is typically $1100-1600. Realize cost could be an issue for some. Video-conferencing may be a possibility. Because of the upcoming vote, no formal time/place committee was established. It was moved/2nd’d and affirmed that Sioux Falls, SD be accepted as fallback meeting location should Brasilia is not approved.

Tom Sappington (IA, ARS) presented and led discussion of the new project’s governance scheme. A modified scheme was adopted.

Recap of Activities and Influence: John Tooker (PA) was invited to testify in front of PA state legislature to talk about science and use of GM crops for a GMO labeling hearing.

Andy Michel (OH) was invited to speak at the 2014 XXV Congresso Brasileiro de Entomologia, Sociedade Entomologia Do Brasil, in Goiania, Goias, Brazil and visit the university at Piracicaba, Brazil. Andy was asked to present two Science Café talks on GMOs in Ohio. Most GMO push-back is coming from anti-corporation sentiment, wanting labeling. Number one issue in Ohio on GMOs is labeling.

Brad Coates (IA, ARS) was invited to speak at the International Working Group on Ostrinia (IWGO). He is collaborating with Chinese scientists on Asian corn borer markers and gene flow.

Paul Mitchel (WI) is involved with more sustainability ventures with soybean soy commodity groups with goal of bringing IPM into the discussion.

Charles Mason (DE) would like to see reports to public. Only about 1% of undergraduate students he teaches are from a rural background. He regularly inserts pertinent Ag issues in his lectures. After discussion there was general agreement that this would be an important addition to our extension objectives.

Brian McCornack (KS) has been working with stakeholders by delivering extension information based on the MyFields project he reported on last year. Of 89 polled, most want corn info as most important and need help with selecting chemicals. This platform looks hopeful for promoting IPM through such a system. Farmers care about the plant’s health more than the insects per se. They would use extension information more if they can find it easier. Trying to find out more about what they will actually use. Brian is building MyFields with multiple states in mind, so welcomes inquiries. Right now there are about 300 iWheat users. He is still trying to sell the concept, and looks like it will be well-accepted.

Ed Bynum (TX) is yearly invited to attend and present at grower group meetings and the Crop Advisor Association meeting to give updates.

Pat Porter (TX) discussed popularity of the Texas Corn Seed Book. It recommends strip planting as refuge and provides information on variety trials.

Tom Hunt (NE) skyped Silvana Paula-Moraes from Brazil into Nebraska Independent Crop Consultants Association annual meeting for her to talk about western bean cutworm management. He was invited to present a discussion of the history and functioning of NC205 and they interface with EPA and other groups at the 2014 XXV Congresso Brasileiro de Entomologia, Sociedade Entomologia Do Brasil, in Goiania, Goias, Brazil.

Joe Spencer (IL) updated the Illinois Butterfly Book with a chapter on the effects of Bt on Lepidoptera. He leads an informal project where he provides Cecropia moth eggs and information on how to rear them. This provides an opportunity to answer public questions about “where have the moths gone”.

Tom Sappington (IA, ARS) reported that the International Working Group on Ostrinia (IWGO) met in Chicago in April with 103 in attendance. There was good representation of NC205 and NCCC46. He gave a couple of seminars on corn insect research at the Institute of Plant Protection in Beijing, and Nanjing Agricultural University and is working with a group of colleagues in Beijing on migratory pests, manuscript collaborations, experimental design, and interpretation of results.

Fangneng Huang (LA) went to China to give several talks (IPP) abouit IRM. There have been some media inquiries about armyworms.

Rick Hellmich (IA, ARS) was invited to speack at the 2014 XXV Congresso Brasileiro de Entomologia, Sociedade Entomologia Do Brasil, in Goiania, Goias, Brazil. He co-organized a symposium at the IWGO. He co-organized a symposium on IRM at a conference in South Africa that discussed African stem borer resistance to Bt corn. He presents a Monarch display each year at the IA State Fair provides ECB to high schools for demonstrations. He co-organized a meeting in Iowa on the decline of Monarchs which was well-attended, including corn and soybean producers.

Dominic Reisig (NC) has given many talks about IRM and seed treatments;. He is part of pilot program with Monsanto to try to boost refuge compliance. As part of this he conducted a clicker survey of growers about compliance and tracked an increase in compliance. He spoke at online forum to the National Academy of Sciences committee on why growers tend not to want to comply with IRM requirements.

Silvana Paula-Moraes (Brazil, Embrapa) reported that a technical group on IRM was formed in Brazil. They are just starting discussions on IRM and are beginning to bring different groups together to educate and discuss on how to improve the use of the technology.

Update on 327 publication: Charles Mason (DE) reported that the NC205 European Corn Borer publication is “in press”. The authors have been working on it for quite a while, and the Bt portion was again updated, but not as robust because they felt that there is sufficient IRM information already widely available. He has an agreement with Iowa State to publish it, but contractual issues delayed publication. This will be a valuable publication as IPM comes back as an emphasis. Expectation is that it will be in print by mid-year. First run will be around 5-8,000 copies at about $6 each when purchased in bulk. There will also have an electronic version (can’t be duplicated) for sale, as well as the hardcopy.

Helicoverpa armigera Early Response discussion: Celso Omoto (Brazil) reported H. armigera, very tolerant to pyrethroids with many resistance alleles accompanied introductions from Old World. He is concerned about hybrids of H. zea and H. armigera. This could be important because H. zea is well-adapted to New World conditions and could promote rapid adaptation if armigera arrives in the US and hybridizes. There were probably multiple introductions based on high genetic variation.

Pat Porter (TX) indicates they are setting up a southern monitoring program for H. armigera and now have molecular markers. No H. armigera were found in 2014.

Dominic Reisig (NC) wondered if feeding behavior is different between the two. Silvana Paula-Moraes (Brazil, Embrapa) reported that /i> H. zea moves a lot around the plant (cotton) when there are squares, but in corn they seem the same. Celso Omoto (Brazil) indicated that during outbreak in Brazil, 100% of Helicoverpa in corn was zea; lots of armigera on other crops. Recently more H. armigera on corn but still mostly zea. May have species displacement eventually.

Bad Coates (IA, ARS) wondered how high throughput is for the molecular screening. Pat Porter (TX) reported it is very high. There are two independent methods developed.

Invited Presentations: Ed Bynum (TX) presented on strip refuges and seed blends: selection on FAW and CEW. Toxins are expressed in a good portion of ears (~50%) in refuge strip at 12 rows away from Bt corn. Dramatically reduces FAW numbers, which could make 4-6 row strip refuges commercially-viable alternatives to block refuge. Not a good IRM practice, but the priority now is to help the growers who have to plant a refuge.

Pat Porter (TX) presented on seed blends and implications for Lepidoptera feeding and RM. Companies are trying to get seed blends in the south, but he doesn’t think they’ll be able to do that. 95:5 Leptra seed blend trial in 2014 indicates a radically different pattern of feeding on seed blend ears vs non-Bt ears. Larvae feed on silks then become cob miners in Bt, which in part means they are receiving different nutrition. Seed blend ears can accelerate the rate of resistance evolution because >30% of ears in non-Bt plants have a single toxin + non-Bt kernels, which increases the dominance of resistance. CEW pupae are significantly larger from blend refuge ears vs block ears, and also slower development which could promote assortative mating. Seed blends are not neutral for resistance evolution, but will accelerate it. Vip3a is close to high dose for CEW and FAW, but by using seed blends it turns it into a low dose. Best answer is probably to rely on natural refuge – otherwise you get pollen contamination.

State Reports and Discussion, by State: Research, extension, and outreach reports were presented by state representatives to NC-205. Discussion ranged over a variety of NC-205 objective-related topics.

5:00 - Adjourn for day.

Thursday, January 29, 2015 8:00 - Call to order

Nominating committee nominated Andy Michel (OH) as new Secretary for NC246. Elected by acclaim, no nays.

Announcements: NE, DE have faculty positions open. IA has a postdoc position open. KY will soon have a position open.

Discussion of Lepidoptera problems w/ Bt resistance in tropics, especially South America: Celso Omoto (Brazil) reported that selection pressure has been intense in Brazil. No IRM is mandated as it is considered the company’s responsibility to sustain the durability. The main problems are that refuge is too small (5 to 20%), compliance is low and most of the Bt toxins are not high-dose events to major target pests. No off-season in Brazil. Most intense selection pressure is in the center-pivot area. These are the insects that will colonize rest of the agricultural region during main growing season. An off-season is needed to help manage pests.

Dominic Reisig (NC) asked if there was any way to push refuge? Celso Omoto (Brazil) indicated Monsanto is pushing refuge for soybean because we have learned products won’t last based on Bt corn in Brazil. Reisig (NC) reported exact same situation in southern US. With Bt soybeans in southern U.S., there could create a big problem with cotton and maybe corn.

Dominic Reisig (NC) indicated there is no cross-resistance across CryA varieties found in NC FAWs so far. Celso Omoto (Brazil) noted they are seeing cross-resistance. Fangneng Huang (LA) reported that in cotton combining Cry1F and Cry1Ab is a bad idea, which leads to problems for Cry1F in corn, and probably cross-resistance. Celso Omoto (Brazil) indicated the same problem possible for Brazil.

Celso Omoto (Brazil) noted that there is a need to manage refuge size in a different way. Currently the growers are spraying the refuge, so that the numbers of moths coming from the refuge are very low, so it has been suggested to companies to keep sprays down to a maximum of twice per year against FAW – growers now are spraying 6-10 times.

Pat Porter (TX) asked what crops are grown under the pivots. Celso Omoto (Brazil) indicated corn, soybean, and dry beans. Pat Porter (TX) noted they do not really have any susceptible insects to preserve. Refuges may just be producing more resistant insects. Maybe they could use only Vip3A in the winter to knock the populations down. Celso Omoto (Brazil) replied that it is a good idea and they have thought about it, but Vip3A varieties are not well accepted by growers and IRM to preserve Vip3A is also very important. Refuge can still help with some of the events. Silvana Paula-Moraes (Brazil, Embrapa) indicated that considering the pest pressure it is difficult to get farmers to stop spraying the refuge. There is a very low tolerance for pests, and they cannot understand why growing pests is good - an education problem. Celso Omoto (Brazil) noted that now is time to revise the IRM recommendation because now we have H. armigera.

Dominic Reisig (NC) noted that we don’t have refuge requirements in cotton because of natural refuge, but it doesn’t make sense anymore because of the variety of new events. Most southern entomologists agree that corn should serve as the refuge for cotton. Fangneng Huang (LA) did not think we need Bt soybeans in U.S. Dominic Reisig (NC) indicated Vip is great and we really need it in cotton, so we should be looking to preserve it for the sake of cotton - and now it will be in soybeans too. Rick Hellmich (IA, ARS) asked if EPA knew this. Fangneng Huang (LA) noted that for all the varieties and companies, really only 3 toxins are available – CryAb (Cry1F), Cry1Ac, Vip.

Rick Hellmich (IA, ARS) suggested that maybe now is the time to consider that we can learn from past mistakes, and use the various crops as refuge for each other. Celso Omoto (Brazil) agreed, but growers want protection for all of their crops and we are losing everything (i.e. Bts, chemical insecticides) to resistance.

Pat Porter (TX) indicated that from an extension perspective trying to explain to growers how fast insect generations go is difficult. He has used the example: if translated to human generations, the number of generations that have gone by in Lepidoptera since Bt introductions is like humans since 970 AD. In Brazil, it’s like 3,500 BC. Presenting it in these terms gets their (the growers) attention.

Dominic Reisig (NC) noted that there are no easy answers. If there is a new toxin for corn, the attitude appears to be just add it to cotton whether needed or not. Ed Bynum (TX) said customers want everything that is in every company’s products, and companies are going to give them what they want.

Silvana Paula-Moraes (Brazil, Embrapa) noted that it is important to remember that it is not yet a big problem everywhere in Brazil, and there are different situations in different parts of the country.

Rick Hellmich (IA, ARS) asked “what are the back-up plans”? Pat Porter (TX) relied that nuclear option is diamide shanked into the soil – even at planting, it will kill worms in the ears.

Tom Hunt ended discussion with the thought that we should think about coordinating with the soybean group (S1055) since Bt soybeans are coming and will affect corn systems because of shared toxins. There are several NC205 members who are also S1055 members, and the idea will be put forward at the March 2015 meeting of S1055.

State Reports and Discussion, by State continued: Research, extension, and outreach reports were presented by state representatives to NC-205. Discussion ranged over a variety of NC-205 objective-related topics.

Tom Hunt reminded all that this is the close of the last meeting of NC205 - an historic moment. Will hopefully become NC246 (combining with NCCC46) on October 1.

11:30 a.m. - Meeting Adjourned.

The Hallmark publication of the committee, "NCR-327: European Corn Borer Ecology and Management", Mason et. al. (in press) will be published 2015 in hard copy and electronically. Over 40,000 copies of the last edition of this award winning publication (1998 Entomology Education Project Award presented by the Board of Certified Entomologists of Mid-America)were printed. Even though it was primarily intended for Extension and educational purposes, it has been widely used as a source of corn borer biology and management in the scientific community, being cited approximately 249 times. NC-205 members and collaborators documented that area-wide suppression of European corn borer is associated with the wide-spread use of Bt corn (Science article: Hutchison et al. 2010). Benefits are estimated at $3.2 billion for corn growers in IL, MN, and WS, with over $2.4 billion of this total as a benefit to non-Bt corn growers. Estimates for IA and NE are $3.6 billion, with $1.9 billion for non-Bt corn growers. These results affirm theoretical predictions of area-wide pest suppression and highlight the economic incentives for growers to maintain non-Bt corn refuge for sustainable insect resistance management. Two articles resulting from the joint NC205/NCCC46 Resistance Research and Outreach Coordination Operations Committee were produced: "Farmer Responses to Resistance Issues in Corn Rootworm to Bt Corn: Qualitative Analysis of Focus Groups", Hodgson et al. (in press in JOE) and "Early detection and remediation of resistance in corn rootworms to Bt corn" Andow et al. (prepared for JEE). This committee and its products were in response to the recent evolution of Diabrotica Bt resistance. Main topics included current regulations, definitions of unexpected damage and confirmed resistance, and recommended tactics for mitigation of western corn rootworm resistance to Bt corn. These publications are intended to act as a guide to aid future resistance management strategy development and farmer compliance to resistance management requirements. A western bean cutworm sampling tool, "Western Bean Cutworm Speed Scout", was developed and is available online and as an App available at Apple store. It was selected as a Top Mobile Apps for Agriculture 2014 by Ag Professional Magazine. A series of videos was developed on corn and soybean IPM in collaboration with the UW--Madison Integrated Pest and Crop Management program (IPCM). Available at: http://ipcm.wisc.edu/video/ Michigan and Wisconsin published a Handy Bt Trait Table which is utilized nationally. A southern region table of Bt corn products and traits that includes a consensus of efficacy was published and used by corn growers throughout the cotton growing region to aid in hybrid selection. Numerous NC-205 members organize symposia, present talks on IRM, and consult on IRM around the world (e.g. Japan, Philippines, Brazil, and Europe). For example, a roundtable 'IPM in the Age of Transgenic Crops: Are IPM and Transgenic Technology Compatible or in Conflict?' was organized at the XXIII Congresso Brasileiro de Entomologia, September 26-30, Natal, RN, Brasil (Co-organizers S. Paula-Moraes and T.E. Hunt. Also, a PI-E Section Symposium was conducted: Reaching out across the bag-tag: Overcoming diversity of industry, university, and government interests to embrace public-sector research on commercialized transgenic crops. Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting. San Diego, CA, Dec. 12-15, 2010. Co-Organizers, T. W. Sappington and B. E. Hibbard. NC 205 met in conjunction with the International Working Group on Ostrinia Annual Meeting, April 12-17, 2014, Chicago, IL. Working relationships were established or strengthened between International academic (non-U.S.), U.S. academic and governmental, and Industry participants. Nebraska’s annual monitoring of ECB susceptibility sponsored by ABSTC has not indicated changes in susceptibility going on 20 years for Cry1Ab, Cry1F, 2Ab and 105 (SmartStax). A practical guide to Microsatellite data analysis for population genetics was published that uses microsatellites in population genetics applications that will make it possible for both students and experienced scientists to analyze and apply their genotype data immediately to questions related to gene flow and population genetic structure. It provides links to freeware and details of pitfalls and other considerations in working with such data, that usually one must learn by trial-and-error. A chapter R. Peshin, and D. Pimental (eds.), Integrated Pest Management Experiences with Implementation, Vol. 4, Springer, Emerging issues in Integrated Pest Management implementation and adoption in the North Central USA, emphasized to the lay public, regulators, and scientists throughout the world that the source of problems with developing insect and weed resistance to transgenic corn are not due to the new technologies themselves, but to inadequate integration into an IPM framework. A High-throughput transcriptome sequencing for SNP and gene discovery in a moth (Environmental Entomology (2012) 41:997-1007) provides significant genetic resources for future research on western bean cutworm, and demonstrates the power of applying second-generation sequencing to previously under-studied species. An O. nubilalis Z chromosome linkage map provides new tools for isolating quantitative trait loci (QTL) involved in sex-linked traits that drive speciation and it exposes genome rearrangements as a possible mechanism for differential gene regulation in Lepidoptera. A trapping network for Western bean cutworm was established (WBC, http://thebugspot.org/WBC) in collaboration with Ohio State University. In 2012 150 unique sites in Michigan were established. Volunteers entered trap counts at the web site www.msuent.com. At the end of each week, we mapped the trap catch, and made the data available on the web site and through the Fast Fonz Facts email newsletter. Field and laboratory studies were conducted to assess the intensity of Bt protein contamination in a seed mixed planting of 5% non-Bt and 95% Bt corn containing pyramided Bt traits (SmartStax) trait and the corresponding effect of the cross-pollination on survival, growth, and development of corn earworm. The results showed that the mixed planting of 5% nonBt and 95% Bt corn cannot provide an effective refuge for the corn earworm, an important above-ground ear-feeding pest. Cross-pollination in RIB caused a majority (> 90%) of refuge kernels to express ? one Bt protein. The contamination of Bt proteins in the refuge ears reduced neonate-to-adult survivorship of corn earworm to only 4.6%, a reduction of 88.1% relative to larvae feeding on ears of pure non-Bt maize plantings. In addition, the limited survivors on refuge ears had lower pupal mass and took longer to develop to adults. The results were published recently in PlosONE. Transgenic corn hybrids that express toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are highly effective against the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner), and the closely related Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée). Results indicate that both of the Ostrinia corn borer species are similar in sensitivity to the Cry1Aa, Cry1Ab, Cry1Ac, Cry1Ba and Cry1F toxins, thus suggesting shared toxin receptors and mechanisms of toxicity for the two species. Research suggests that O. nubilalis exhibits substantial gene flow over long distances and that the lack of genetic differentiation between populations across hundreds of kilometers is not simply due to migration-drift disequilibrium arising from a recent range expansion. Spatial analyses revealed a barrier to gene flow between Pennsylvania and the other sampled locations, along with an overall pattern of higher genetic divergence among locations in the eastern portion of the distribution compared to the western locations. It is likely that the synchrony of oviposition activity triggered by migratory flight in beet weborm is a common mechanism in other migratory insect species that promotes outbreak populations. The method for measuring this novel parameter (period of first oviposition) is an important new tool for other scientists studying migratory insects. Recommendations on experimental design for early-tier laboratory studies used in risk assessments to evaluate potential adverse impacts of arthropod-resistant genetically engineered (GE) plants on non-target arthropods (NTAs) were developed. Transgenic expression of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) crystalline (Cry) toxins in crop plant tissues results in reduced insect feeding damage, but sustainability of this agricultural practice is threatened by resistance traits within target insect populations. Research indicates that gene regulatory pathways influence insecticide resistance traits. These findings are important in that gene-gene interactions are shown to be important in the manifestation of Bt resistance traits. Transposable elements (TEs) can affect the structure of genomes through their acquisition and transposition of novel DNA sequences. The preferential integration of Lep1 Helitrons in proximity to gene coding regions results in the creation of genetic novelty that is shown to impact gene structure and function through the introduction of novel exon sequence (exon shuffling). These findings are important in the understanding the structural requirements of genomic DNA sequences that are acquired and transposed by Helitron-like TEs. During 2012-2013, multiple field trials and laboratory assays demonstrated that the currently adopted RIB method is inappropriate for providing CEW refuge populations. The results suggest that the 95: 5% RIB can’t provide the expected refuge populations for resistance management in the areas where CEW can overwinter and is a major target of Bt corn, such as in the south region of the U.S. Vip3Aa and Cry1Ab proteins in maize reduce Fusarium ear rot and fumonisins by deterring kernel injury from multiple Lepidopteran pests. These results indicate that Cry1Ab x Vip3Aa maize hybrids are more likely to yield high quality, low-fumonisin grain compared to hybrids expressing only Cry1Ab or lacking insect resistance. This information is useful to scientists, growers and consumers interested in the benefits of Bt corn and reducing mycotoxin levels in corn. A Critical Assessment of the Effect of Cry Proteins on Beneficial Natural Enemies. These studies confirm that Cry proteins do not pose a hazard to non-target natural enemies and demonstrate the power of using resistant hosts when assessing the risk of genetically modified plants on non-target organisms. These results should be useful to governmental regulators, scientists interested in ecological risk assessment and others concerned about the risks of Bt transgenic crops. Susceptibility and Aversion of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to Cry1F Bt Maize and Considerations for Insect Resistance Management. This study investigates the role of role of susceptibility and avoidance to Cry1F toxin for fall armyworm, which is important for determining an IRM strategy for this insect. This information is useful to all scientists interested in developing global IRM plans to safeguard the Bt maize technology. Haplotype profile comparisons between Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) populations from Mexico with those from Puerto Rico, South America, and the United States and their implications to migratory behavior. Fall armyworm migrate long distances each year, but genetic markers suggest little mixing between southeastern and south-central overwintering populations. This study shows that the markers are stable over time, which is important in mapping and predicting resistance to Bt corn that may spread out of Puerto Rico onto the mainland by migration. This information will be used by university, government, and industry scientists, as well as regulatory agencies throughout the Western Hemisphere. Effect of maize lines on larval fitness costs of Cry1F resistance in the European corn borer. Fitness costs associated with insect resistance are important to understand because, if they occur, they can delay the evolution of resistance. In this study, however, no fitness costs were detected for corn borers resistant to Cry1F Bt maize. This information is valuable to maize growers and scientists interested in delaying insect resistance to Bt maize. Laboratory results (Minn, Morey et al.) corroborated what is currently observed in the field as the overwintering range of H. zea in the eastern United States; approximately areas south of the 40th parallel. The research shows, however, that these areas are not lethal to overwintering pupae due to temperature extremes, but rather in the length of time spent at near zero temperatures. Yield loss from fall armyworm is significant and results from both direct damage and indirect damage caused by fungi. Yield loss to indirect damage exceeded that to direct damage (1.16:1). The amount of indirect damage seems to be not closely correlated with the amount of direct damage, and this will make it difficult to construct an economic threshold. Initial results from a collaborative project (Nebraska, Iowa USDA-ARS, Delaware, and Pioneer) examining fall armyworm movement on vegetative stage Bt and non-Bt corn indicate that although some larvae can move several plants away from initial infested plant, RIB refuge strategy should be adequate for IRM for this pest. An effective program that can detect rare resistance alleles in field populations of fall armyworm to Bt corn was developed. Together with our previously developed corn borer resistance monitoring program, a state-wide Bt resistance monitoring program were successfully implemented for the major targets of Bt corn. The program has played a safeguard role for the long-term success of Bt corn in LA. Since 2010, corn borer populations on corn, grain sorghum, and rice have been very low in LA. Analysis suggests that the considerable reduction of sugarcane borer populations on these crops is most likely a result of the successful use of transgenic Bt corn in the region. Since first being commercialized in 1996, transgenic Bt maize has gained widespread acceptance for managing maize stalk borer pests in the United States. Since 2004, a cooperative research program has been established to evaluate resistance risk of D. saccharalis to Bt maize in Louisiana. Field surveys have documented the overwintering, distribution, and population structures of maize stalk borer species in the state. Unlike any other regions of the United States where O. nubilalis/D. grandiosella are the major maize stalk boring pests, our survey showed that D. saccharalis is the dominant species in many areas of the mid-south region. A major Bt resistance allele was found in a 2004 field population of D. saccharalis in Louisiana. This was the first major resistance allele to commercial Bt maize discovered in any maize borer species worldwide. A D. saccharalis strain containing this major resistance allele has been established in the laboratory for future studies. Results from studies in Louisiana suggest that the resistance allele frequency in D. saccharalis to the three pyramided Bt maize technologies is low in the mid-southern region of the United States, which should meet the rare resistance assumption of the 'high dose/refuge' IRM strategy. The results of a 6-year study (LA Lead) suggest that there appears to be a high risk for development of Cry1Ab resistance in D. saccharalis if Cry1Ab maize continues to be widely used in the U.S. mid-south region. F2 screening results suggest that the resistance allele frequency in D. saccharalis to the three pyramided Bt maize technologies is low in the mid-southern region of the United States, which should meet the rare resistance assumption of the currently used IRM strategy for Bt maize. Multiple field studies were conducted to evaluate the performance of the 2nd generation Bt corn products for managing sugarcane borer and corn earworm in both pure stand and mixed plantings of Bt and non-Bt corn. The results showed that the 2nd generation Bt corn is equally very effective against the sugarcane borer and corn earworm in both pure stand and mixed plantings of Bt and non-Bt corn. To assist with commercial production of Trichogramma for biological control of Lepidopteran pests, a device was fabricated to assist with separating parasitized from unparasitized host eggs. Olfactometer studies showed that T. ostriniae was attracted to volatiles from corn leaf tissue taken from areas near to, but absent European corn borer egg masses. This suggests that induced plant volatiles may play a role in host finding. Results also indicate that humidity played a role in parasitoid responses; in our trials, lower humidity elicited an attractant response to host eggs; high humidity elicited an arrestant response. Trichogramma ostriniae readily parasitized western bean cutworm eggs under laboratory conditions suggesting that biological control with egg parasitoids may be a feasible. Because the cutworm eggs are relatively large, 3 to 6 adult T. ostriniae emerged per egg. Preliminary analysis of feral Trichogramma, collected from field sites where releases had occurred in previous years, showed T. ostriniae in 6 samples of 21 Ostrinia nubilalis egg masses collected. This reinforces that T. ostriniae may establish and provide some background classical biological control. Quiescence, but not diapause was not observed in T. ostriniae placed out of doors in fall 2009. Adult emergence from outdoor eggs was protracted for up to 6 weeks after placement under warm conditions. This implies that quiescence may suffice and that diapause may not be obligatory. Vacuum storage of host eggs resulted in substantial clumping, indicating that this is not a good method for prolonging the shelf life of factitious host eggs. When eggs were provided to Trichogramma in various spatial arrangements from single to highly clustered, there was no apparent difference in parasitism levels. This suggests that the standard method of sprinkling eggs onto a tray for parasitism is adequate and probably does not need modification to improve parasitism levels. MSU Field Crops Entomology Web site includes the following bulletins as pdfs: 15 on western bean cutworm, 1 on armyworms, 2 on corn transgenics. A Twitter feed is available - @AphidQueen and MSU Field Crops Entomology newsletters are distributed via an email list, the Fast Fonz Facts. The list includes approximately 300 agribusiness, commodity, grower, and extension contacts. Western bean cutworm spray recommendations have been made this way since 2009. Clemson outreach programs included presentations at field days for corn growers and at agent training sessions. Demonstration plots of Bt hybrids and non-Bt isolines at different planting dates were shown at the Pee Dee REC and Edisto REC field days. Publications included the corn insect management sections of the 2011 Clemson Extension Pest Management Handbook and Corn Production Guide, with print and online editions. Numerous other materials/products/programs were developed and presented to farmers, consultants, and other Ag professionals on the importance of resistance management and IRM compliance at numerous Clinics, Conferences, newsletters, websites, and various radio and newspaper venues. These articles covered both transgenic corn and more traditional insecticides for corn insect pests. The USDA Multi-State Regional Committees NC205 and NCCC46 submitted a proposal to merge and become a new NC committee, "Arthropod Pests of Corn".

Agunbiade TA, Coates BS, Datinon B, Djouaka R, Sun W, et al. (2014) Genetic Differentiation among Maruca vitrata F. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) Populations on Cultivated Cowpea and Wild Host Plants: Implications for Insect Resistance Management and Biological Control Strategies. PLoS ONE 9(3): e92072. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0092072. Bermond, G., F. Cavigliasso, S. Mallez, J. Spencer and T. Guillemaud. 2014. Absence of an effect of admixture between two European invading outbreaks of a major corn pest in natura. PLoS ONE, 9(8):e106139. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0106139 Binning Rachel R., Joel Coats, Xiaoxiao Kong, and Richard L. Hellmich. 2014. Susceptibility and Aversion of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to Cry1F Bt Maize and Considerations for Insect Resistance Management. Journal of Economic Entomology, 107(1):368-374. http://www.bioone.org/doi/full/10.1603/EC13352 Binning, Joel Coats, Xiaoxiao Kong and Richard L Hellmich. 2014. Susceptibility to Bt proteins is not required for Agrotis ipsilon aversion to Bt maize. Pest Manag Sci. DOI 10.1002/ps.3901. Bowers, Erin,† Richard Hellmich, and Gary Munkvold. 2014. Comparison of Fumonisin Contamination Using HPLC and ELISA Methods in Bt and Near-Isogenic Maize Hybrids Infested with European Corn Borer or Western Bean Cutworm. J. Agric. Food Chem. (in press) Chu, C.-C., W. Sun, B. Pittendrigh, J.L. Spencer, and M.J. Seufferheld. 2014. Differential effects of RNAi treatments on field populations of the western corn rootworm. Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology. 110:1-6. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pestbp.2014.02.003. Article first published online 27 FEB 2014. Coates, Brad, S., and Craig A. Abel. 2014. The mitochondrial genome of the American lotus borer, Ostrinia penitalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). Mitochondrial DNA, Early Online: 1–2. Hodgson, E. W., Wright, R., Gray, M., Hunt, T., Ostlie, K., Andow, D. A. (in press). Farmer responses to resistance issues in corn rootworm to Bt corn: qualitative analysis of focus groups. Journal of Extension. www.joe.org . Huang, F., J.A. Qureshi, R.L. Meagher Jr., D.D. Reisig, G.P. Head, D.A. Andow, X. Ni, D. Kerns, G.D. Buntin, Y. Niu, F. Yang, and V. Dangal. 2014. Cry1F resistance in fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda: single gene versus pyramided Bt maize. PLoS ONE 9(11): e112958. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0112958. Huang, F. 2015. Resistance management for Bt corn and above-ground lepidopteran targets in the United States: from single gene to pyramided traits. In “Bt resistance – mechanisms and strategies for preserving effectiveness”, ed by M. Soberon, Y. Gao and A. Bravo. CABI. 173-185. Hughson, S.A. and J.L. Spencer. 2015. Emergence and abundance of western corn rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Bt cornfields with structured and seed blend refuges. J. of Economic Entomology. doi: 10.1093/jee/tou029. Article first published online: 21 JAN 2015. Kang, J., C.H. Krupke, A.F. Murphy, J.L. Spencer, M.E. Gray and D.W. Onstad. 2014. Modeling a western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), maturation delay and resistance evolution in Bt corn. Pest Management Science. 70(6):996-1007. doi: 10.1002/ps.3642. Article first published online 2 OCT 2013. Kang, J., F. Huang, and D. W. Onstad. 2014. Modeling evolution of resistance of sugarcane borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) to transgenic Bt corn. Environ. Entomol. 43:1084-1104. Levy, R.C., G. M. Kozak, C. B. Wadsworth, B. S. Coates & E. B. Dopman. 2014. Explaining the sawtooth: latitudinal periodicity in a circadian gene correlates with shifts in generation number. J . Evol. Biol. 1-14. doi: 10.1111/jeb.12562 . Li, Jing, Brad S. Coates, Kyung Seok Kim, Denis Bourguet, Sergine Ponsard, Kanglai He, and Zhenying Wang. 2014. The Genetic Structure of Asian Corn Borer, Ostrinia furnacalis, Populations in China: Haplotype Variance in Northern Populations and Potential Impact on Management of Resistance to Transgenic MaizeJournal of Heredity, 1-14. doi:10.1093/jhered/esu036 . Niu, Y., F. Yang, V. Dangal, and F. Huang. 2014. Larval survival and plant injury of Cry1F-susceptible, -resistant, and -heterozygous fall armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on non-Bt and Bt corn containing single or pyramided genes. Crop Protection. 59:22-28. Palizada, S. A., Tiroesele, B., Kondidie, D. B., Ullah, M. I., Mustafa, F., Hunt, T., Clark, P. L., Molina-Ochoa, J., Skoda, S. R., Foster, J. E. 2014. Minute pirate bug (Orius insidiosus SAY) populations on transgenic and non-transgenic maize using different sampling techniques. Pakistan Entomologist, 36(1), 1-6. Petzhold-Maxwell, J., B.D. Siegfried, R.L. Hellmich, C.A. Abel, B.S. Coates, T.A. Spencer, and A.J. Gassmann. 2014. Efffect of maize lines on fitness costs of Cry1F resistance in the European corn borer. J. Econ. Entomol. 107: 764-772. Siegfried, B.D., M. Rangasamy, H. Wang, C.V. Haridas, B. Tenhumburg, D. Sumerford. 2014. Estimating the frequency of Cry1F resistance in field populations of the European corn borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). Pest Manag. Sci. 70: 725-33. Spencer, J.L., S.A. Hughson and E. Levine. 2014. Resistance to crop rotation. Chapter 7 (pages 233-278) in Insect Resistance Management: Biology, Economics and Prediction, 2nd Ed., D.W. Onstad, (ed.) Academic Press. Oxford, UK. 538 p. Steele LD, Muir WM, Seong KM, Valero MC, Rangesa M, et al. (2014) Genome-Wide Sequencing and an Open Reading Frame Analysis of ichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) Susceptible (91-C) and Resistant (91-R) Drosophila melanogaster Laboratory Populations. PLoS ONE 9(6): e98584. doi:10. 1371/journal.pone.0098584 Su, H-H, J. Tian, S. E. Narnajo, J. Romeis, R. L. Hellmich and A. M. Shelton. 2015. Bacillus thuringiensis plants expressing Cry1ac, Cry2Ab and Cry1F do not harm the assassin bug, Zelus renardii. J. Econ. Entomol. 139: 23-30. Tian, J-C., L-P. Long, X-P. Wang, S. Naranjo, J. Romeis, R. Hellmich, P. Wang, and A. M. Shelton. 2014. Using resistant prey demonstrates that Bt plants producing Cry1Ac, Cry2Ab and Cry1F have no negative effects on Geocoris punctipes and Orius insidiosus. Environ Entomol. 43: 242-251. Tinsley N.A., Estes R.E., Schrader P.M., and M.E. Gray. 2015. Evaluating multiple approaches for managing western corn rootworm larvae with seed blends. J. Appl. Entomol. 139: 76–86 (DOI: 10.1111/JEN.12134). Tinsley, N.A., J.L. Spencer, R.E. Estes, J.R. Prasifka, P.M. Schrader, B.W. French, and M.E. Gray. 2015. Larval mortality and development for rotation-resistant and rotation-susceptible populations of western corn rootworm on Bt corn. J. of Applied Entomology. 139:46-54. Article first published online 21 JUL 2014. doi: 10.1111/jen.12149. Velez, A.M., T.M. Spencer, A.P. Alves, A.L.B. Crespo, and B.D. Siegfried. 2014. Fitness costs of Cry1F resistance in fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda. J. Appl. Entomol. 138: 315-325. Yang, F., D.L. Kerns, G.P. Head, B.R. Leonard, R. Levy, Y. Niu, and F. Huang. 2014.A challenge for the seed mixture refuge strategy in Bt maize: impact of cross-pollination on an ear-feeding pest, corn earworm. PLoS ONE 9(11): e112962. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0112962. Yang, F., D.L. Kerns, G. Head, G.H., B.R. Leonard, Y. Niu, and F. Huang. 2014. Occurrence, distribution, and ear damage of Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in mixed plantings of non-Bt and Bt corn containing Genuity® SmartStaxTM traits. Crop Protect. 55:127-132. Yang, F., D.L. Kerns, B.R. Leonard, I. Oyediran, T. Burd, Y. Niu, and F. Huang. 2015. Performance of Agrisure®VipteraTM 3111 corn against Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in seed mixed plantings. Crop Prot. 69: 77-82. Zhang, L., B.R. Leonard, M. Chen, T. Clark, A. Konasale, and F. Huang. 2014. Fitness and stability of Cry1Ab resistance in sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis (F.). Journal of Invertebrate Pathology. 117:26-32.