Journal of Economic Entomology (2003) 96, 173-187

Nicholas P. Storer, Steven L. Peck, Fred Gould, John W. Van Duyn and George G. Kennedy (2003)
Sensitivity analysis of a spatially-explicit stochastic simulation model of the evolution of resistance in Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to Bt transgenic corn and cotton
Journal of Economic Entomology 96 (1), 173-187
Abstract: The sensitivities of a model simulating the evolution of resistance in Helicoverpa zea to Bt toxins in transgenic crops were investigated by examining effects of each of the model parameters on the frequency of resistance alleles after 8 yr. The functional dominance of resistance alleles and the initial frequency of those alleles had a major impact on resistance evolution. The survival of susceptible insects on the transgenic crops and the population dynamics of the insect, driven by winter survival and reproductive rates, were also important. In addition, agricultural practices including the proportion of the acreage planted to corn, and the larval threshold for spraying cotton fields affected the R-allele frequency. Many of these important parameters are inherently variable or cannot be measured with accuracy, so model output cannot be interpreted as being a forecast. However, this analysis is useful in focusing empirical research on those aspects of the insects' life system that have the largest effects on resistance development, and indicates ways in which to improve products and agricultural practices to increase the expected time to resistance. The model can thus be used as a scientific basis for devising a robust resistance management strategy for Bt crops.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
(original language: English)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): George G. Kennedy

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
pesticide resistance of pest
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
resistance/tolerance/defence of host

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Helicoverpa zea	Maize/corn (Zea mays)
	Helicoverpa zea	Cotton (Gossypium)
Bacillus thuringiensis genes in crops (entomopathogen)	Helicoverpa zea	Maize/corn (Zea mays)
Bacillus thuringiensis genes in crops (entomopathogen)	Helicoverpa zea	Cotton (Gossypium)