Susceptibility of Genetically Modified Maize Hybrids to Sugarcane Borer, Diatraea saccharalis (F.)1, at Sinaloa, Mexico

Abstract. Use of genetically modified hybrids of maize, Zea mays L., is a pest management tool with special significance when a pest such as sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis (F.) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), becomes less responsive to conventional control methods. Resistance of genetically modified maize hybrids ‘AgrisureTM 3000 GT’ and ‘Agrisure® VipteraTM 3111’ were evaluated against stalk borers and compared with conventional hybrids with or without insecticide. During evaluation, few borers were found, especially during the first year (2012), but, in most cases, stalk damage by larvae was less in AgrisureTM 3000 GT and Agrisure® VipteraTM 3111 than in their conventional isolines. Insecticide did not prevent damage by the pest and even treated conventional maize was damaged. Use of AgrisureTM 3000 GT and Agrisure® VipteraTM 3111 hybrids can be a management tool to prevent damage by sugarcane borer in maize.