Farmer Responses to Resistance Issues in Corn Rootworm to Bt Corn: Qualitative Analysis of Focus Groups

Authors

Erin W. Hodgson, Iowa State UniversityFollow
Robert Wright, University of Nebraska‐LincolnFollow
Michael Gray, University of IllinoisFollow
Thomas E. Hunt, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Ken Ostlie, University of MinnesotaFollow
David A. Andow, University of MinnesotaFollow

Date of this Version

2015

Citation

Farmer Responses to Resistance Issues in Corn Rootworm to Bt Corn: Qualitative Analysis of Focus Groups JOE 53(2)

Comments

Copyright ©2015 Extension Journal Inc.

Abstract

Western corn rootworm is an important corn pest in the U.S. Some farmers noted unexpected corn rootworm injury of transgenic hybrids as early as 2008; however, the full extent of product performance is still not fully understood. We conducted telephone focus groups with farmers in 2013 to gain their perspective of current and future issues for corn rootworm. Respondents were surprised how quickly corn rootworm injury escalated in their fields and were disappointed with incorrect diagnoses from consultants and seed companies. Most participating farmers saw university Extension as an unbiased source of information.