Colorado Potato Beetle Control with Genetically Engineered (Transgenic) Potato Plants, 1991

Abstract

Abstract Test plots using 'Russet Burbank' potatoes that had been genetically engineered to contain a transformed Bacillus thuringiensis var. tenebrionis (Bt) gene were established at the UI Research and Extension Center, Aberdeen, ID. Two 'Russet Burbank' check plots and five lines, including a non-transformed (NT) line, of minitubers obtained from Monsanto, were hand planted on 20 May. All treatment plots were replicated six times. The transgenic potato lines planted ranged from pea to golf ball size mini-tubers. Due to the small average size, these tubers were planted at a shallow depth of not more than four inches. Individual plots were 1 row of ten hills (1 ft spacing between hills) with treatment rows bordered by a blank row. Between the blank rows was an untreated row of 'Russet Burbank' potatoes. Irrigation of plots was by sprinklers. No chemical controls for CPB were used other than to one of the 'Russet Burbank' check treatments when an application of Asana (0.02 lb Al/acre) was made on 11 Jul. On a weekly basis, all stages of beetles were counted and percent defoliation estimates were made using whole plant inspections of all plants within the single plot rows. Larval stages were separated into small (1-2 instar) and large (3-4 instar). Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Newman-Keuls studentized range test.