Longitudinal trials illustrate interactive effects between declining Bt efficacy against Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and planting dates of corn

Abstract Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) has evolved resistance to insecticidal toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Berliner (Bacillales: Bacillaceae) expressed in genetically engineered corn, Zea mays L. This study provides an overview of field trials from Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina evaluating Bt and non-Bt corn hybrids from 2009 to 2022 to show changes in susceptibility in H. zea to Bt corn. The reduction in kernel injury relative to a non-Bt hybrid averaged across planting dates generally declined over time for Cry1A.105 + Cry2Ab2 corn. In addition, there was a significant interaction with planting date used as a covariate. The reduction in kernel injury remained above 80% and did not vary with planting date from 2009 to 2014, whereas a significant decline with planting date was found in this reduction from 2015 to 2022. For Cry1Ab + Cry1F corn, the reduction in kernel injury relative to a non-Bt hybrid averaged across planting dates did not vary among years. The reduction in kernel injury significantly declined with planting date from 2012 to 2022. Kernel injury as a proxy for H. zea pressure was greater in late-planted trials in non-Bt corn hybrids. Our study showed that Bt hybrids expressing Cry1A.105 + Cry2Ab2 are now less effective in later planted trials in reducing H. zea injury; however, this was not the case during the earlier years of adoption of corn expressing these 2 toxins when resistance alleles were likely less frequent in H. zea populations. The implications for management of H. zea and for insect resistance management are discussed.