EFFECT OF EARWORM INJURIES ON FUMONISINS PRODUCTION IN Bt AND NON-Bt MAIZE

Abstract

Tests were carried out to assess fumonisins production due to lepidopteran feeding on the ears of the hybrid DKB 390VTPRO (Cry1A105/ Cry2Ab2) and in its non-Bt isogenic version. Maize ears were harvested and classified according to injury size, and fumonisin levels for each injury class were quantified. There were no significant differences between Bt maize and non-Bt maize in fumonisin production. However, the injury size due to earworm feeding was significant for fumonisin occurrence. The greater the injury, the higher the fumonisins level.