Transgenic Rootworm Corn: Assessing Potential Agronomic, Economic, and Environmental Benefits

Abstract

The potential benefits of transgenic rootworm corn (Cry3Bb1 protein) are expected to include: increased root protection; increased intangible benefits to farmers (safety of not being exposed to insecticides, ease of use and handling, time and labor savings, better pest control); increased economic benefits to farmers ($231 million from yield gains [$25-$75/acre relative to no insecticide control, $4-$12/acre relative to control with a soil insecticide] and $58 million in reduced insecticide risks and time savings); reduced incidence of corn stalk rot; and increased yield protection (9 to 28% relative to no insecticide use, 1.5 to 4.5% relative to control with a soil insecticide). If transgenic rootworm corn is planted on 10 million acres, the annual impact will be a reduction of 5,344,462 lb a.i. (75.2%) of insecticide use; increased resource conservation (3.07 to 5.23 million gal of diesel fuel equivalents conserved that would have been consumed in the manufacture and delivery of insecticides); increased water conservation (5,657,734 gal of water not used in insecticide application); conservation of aviation fuel (68,845 gal of aviation fuel not used); reduced farm waste (1,187,035 fewer insecticide containers used); increased planting efficiency; and improved safety to wildlife and other nontarget organisms. Accepted for publication 1 February 2004. Published 1 March 2004.