ePrints

Spatially explicit economic effects of non-susceptible pests' invasion on Bt maize

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Francisco ArealORCiD

Downloads

• Accepted version [.pdf]

Licence

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND).

Abstract

Maize expressing the Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ab toxin (Bt maize) provides a more effective control of corn borersthan the use of insecticides. Yet, the spatial expansion of Bt maize may offer ideal ecological conditions forthe development and spread of secondary pests, i.e. pests not susceptible to the expressed toxin. This paper developsa bio-economic, spatially explicit population model to analyse the spread and economic consequences ofa secondary pest outbreak. Results show that the present use and even an eventual expansion of Bt maize can beeconomically and environmentally advantageous as it would decrease insecticide usage intensity. However, weshow that caution is required when considering its widespread use. If a pest outbreak is not identified and dealtwith at an early stage, it could lead to severe economic impacts even if insecticides are used in combination withthe Bt maize. We further discuss potential policy and subsequent management strategies to address this issue.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Catarino R, Areal F, Park J, Parisey N

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Agricultural Systems

Year: 2019

Volume: 175

Pages: 22-33

Print publication date: 01/10/2019

Online publication date: 23/05/2019

Acceptance date: 10/05/2019

Date deposited: 16/07/2019

ISSN (electronic): 0378-2166

Publisher: Elsevier

URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2019.05.008

DOI: 10.1016/j.agsy.2019.05.008

Altmetrics

Share