GMO Bt crops on the chopping block due to insect resistance

GMO Bt crops on the chopping block due to insect resistance

There is now just ONE Bt trait left on the market without documented insect resistance.
Even the claim that Bt seeds reduced insecticide use pre-resistance was questionable, as Bt seeds are mostly treated with neonicotinoid insecticides – neonic seed treatments rose in parallel with Bt crops.
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Bt on the chopping block

Emily Unglesbee
DTN Progressive Farmer, 29 Sept 2020
https://www.dtnpf.com/agriculture/web/ag/crops/article/2020/09/29/epa-proposes-phasing-dozens-bt-corn
* EPA proposes phasing out dozens of Bt corn and cotton products
In an effort to stave off above-ground insect resistance, the EPA is proposing phasing out many current Bt corn hybrids, as well as some Bt cotton varieties, in the next three-to-five years.
Essentially, all Bt corn hybrids and cotton varieties that don't include Syngenta's Vip3A protein, the lone Bt trait on the market without documented insect resistance, are being considered for a national phase-out.
The proposal suggests removing many common and popular Bt-traited corn products, as well as one new rootworm trait package with a unique RNAi mode of action - SmartStax PRO - that hasn't yet been commercialized.
The phase-out plan, found in EPA's recent publication, "EPA Draft Proposal to Address Resistance Risks to Lepidopteran Pests of Bt," is only a proposal for now. EPA is seeking public comment from all stakeholders, including farmers, through Nov. 9, 2020. You can comment here:
https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=EPA-HQ-OPP-2019-0682
Here is a comprehensive list, based on DTN's analysis of the EPA proposal, of every corn hybrid and cotton variety up for phase-out over the next three-to-five years, organized by their original registrant.
THREE-YEAR CORN PHASE-OUT
PIONEER & DOW AGROSCIENCES (Now under Corteva)
Herculex I; Herculex I Insect Protection
EPA Reg. No.: 68467-2; 29964-3
Bt trait: Cry1F
Herculex XTRA Insect Protection
EPA Reg. No.: 29964-5; 29964-17; 68467-6
Bt Traits: Cry1F + Cry34/35Ab1
PIONEER (Now under Corteva)
Optimum AcreMax l
EPA Reg. No.. 29964-6
Bt Traits: Cry1F + Cry34/35Ab1 seed blend
Optimum TRIsect
EPA Reg. No.: 29964-13
Bt Traits: Cry1F + mCry3A
SYNGENTA
Agrisure CB/LL; Agrisure GT/CB/LL; Agrisure 3010; Agrisure Artesian 3010A
EPA Reg. No.: 67979-1
Bt Trait: Cry1Ab
Agrisure CB/RW; Agrisure 3000GT; Agrisure 3011A
EPA Reg. No.: 67979-8
Bt Traits: Cry1Ab + mCry3A
Attribute Insect Protected Sweet Corn
EPA Reg. No.: 65268-1
Bt Trait: Cry1Ab
MONSANTO (Now under Bayer)
YieldGard Corn Borer
EPA Reg. No.: 524-489
Bt Trait: Cry1Ab
FIVE-YEAR CORN PHASE-OUT
PIONEER (Now under Corteva)
Optimum Intrasect
EPA Reg. No.: 29964-7
Bt Traits: Cry1Ab + Cry1F
Optimum AcreMax Insect Protection
EPA Reg. No.: 29964-12
Bt Traits: Cry1F + Cry1Ab seed blend

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