To slow the development of insect resistance (Insect Resistance Management) in crops genetically engineered with Bt technology, farmers have been required to plant a portion (usually 20%) of the field to non-Bt hybrids as a refuge. Some new corn hybrids like Pioneer Optimum® AcreMax™ now include RIB technology which means:

Question

ObjectiveMcq · Accepted Answer

The non-BT seed is mixed in the bag, thus no separate refuge area needs to be planted

ObjectiveMcq · Answer

There is no longer any refuge requirement since there are multiple resistance genes in these new hybrids (stacked traits)

ObjectiveMcq · Answer

The refuge requirement is reduced to 5% of the field that must be planted in a separate area

ObjectiveMcq · Answer

The refuge requirement has been increased to 30% of the field since rootworm resistance was reported in the Corn Belt last year