What type of corn plants are used to control the European corn borer?

Transgenic Bt corn is specifically engineered to control the European corn borer, a major pest affecting corn crops. This type of corn is genetically modified to express a protein from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), which is toxic to certain pests, including the European corn borer. When the larvae of this pest consume the corn plant, the Bt protein disrupts their digestive systems, leading to their death.

Using transgenic Bt corn is a targeted and effective strategy that reduces the need for chemical insecticides and helps manage pest populations sustainably. This method also promotes more comprehensive pest management approaches by integrating biotechnology with traditional farming practices.

Other types of corn, such as traditional hybrids, organic corn varieties, and conventional corn, do not have the built-in protection against the European corn borer, making them more vulnerable to pest damage. These alternatives may rely on chemical treatments or other pest management strategies, which often require more labor and resources compared to planting Bt corn. Thus, the use of transgenic Bt corn represents an innovative advancement in crop protection specifically designed to combat the challenges posed by the European corn borer effectively.