Genetically modified maize resistant to corn earworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Sinaloa, Mexico

Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), the corn earworm, is a key pest causing damage to corn Zea mays L. (Poales: Poaceae). The development of hybrids expressing Cry1Ab, Vip3Aa20, and mCry3A protein of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) (Bacillales: Bacillaceae) is an option to control this insect. Corn hybrids Agrisure TM 3000 GT, Agrisure® Viptera TM 3110, and Agrisure® Viptera TM 3111 were tested for corn earworm suppression in the agricultural region of Sinaloa during the 2011, 2012, and 2013 autumn–winter growing seasons, and compared with their respective isolines. Gallery length on the ear and the number of damaged ears were evaluated. The genetically modified hybrids demonstrated the effectiveness of inserted proteins to confer resistance to the corn earworm by killing the pest or reducing its growth and damage to the ear. Based on the results, Agrisure TM 3000 GT, Agrisure® Viptera TM 3110, and Agrisure® Viptera TM 3111 are useful elements for an integrated pest management program on