ABSTRACT

Previous field trial results have indicated that Bollgard II exhibits a high level of control of fall armyworms (Spodoptera frugiperda). However, populations in these trials have been relatively low and damage ratings have often been confused with multiple pests (bollworms and tobacco budworms) occurring at the same time as the fall armyworm. Consequently, it has been difficult to assess the performance of Bollgard II strictly for fall armyworm control under heavy fall armyworm pressure situations. A field cage study including non-Bollgard, Bollgard® and Bollgard II cotton plants was infested with high populations of fall armyworms throughout the fruiting period. Results indicated that Bollgard gave a measurable level of fruit protection from fall armyworm and that Bollgard II exhibited excellent fruit protection under these heavy infestation conditions.