(2nd Place) Surveying Cry1F resistance in European corn borer

Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) corn is genetically engineered to produce proteins that have toxic and insecticidal characteristics towards specific insects. However, insects are rapidly evolving resistance to Bt crops. One of the insects with resistance is Ostrinia nubilalis (European corn borer, or ECB). ECB is an important corn pest that attacks the tassels, ears, and stalks. They create nesting cavities that obstruct the circulation of water and nutrients through the plant. The first case of practical resistance to Bt maize by ECB was documented in 2018 in Nova Scotia, Eastern Canada. In other species, DNA mutations in ABC transporter genes have been linked to Bt resistance. In ECB, we have identified molecular markers within the ABCC2 gene that are tightly linked to resistance. Using these molecular markers, we plan to survey Cry1F resistance from ECB collected in New Hampshire, and New York. Collaborators sent larvae and adults collected from sweet corn or pheromone traps. We extracted DNA and will genotype all samples with Cry1F molecular markers to estimate the frequency of putative resistant alleles. Given the proximity of these locations to Eastern Canada, we expect to find low frequencies of resistant alleles Understanding how quickly resistance in ECB is spreading will help develop better monitoring techniques and find ways to extend the durability of Bt corn.