In order to preserve trait durability, it is everyone’s responsibility to prevent insecticide resistance from occurring. Implementing a robust IRM plan that is part of a larger Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy is the most effective way to prevent resistance from occurring. That includes multiple Best Management Practices (BMPs).
One important component of a successful management plan is to plant a block of corn that does not control the target pest(s), known as a refuge, near insect-protected hybrids. The refuge sustains a population of susceptible target pests to mate with any rare resistant species that may emerge from these same or nearby corn hybrid.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires a refuge on every farm that plants insect-protected hybrids. Failure to plant the appropriate refuge jeopardizes continued access to trait technology.
Different hybrid or trait packages may have different IRM requirements. On-farm mixing of any seed is not an approved method to comply with stewardship requirements. Always check the bag tag to ensure the accurate refuge size requirements.