Bt-producing corn was in the fields last year in northern Indiana. The idea
is to increase resistance to European corn borer. According to an article
published in the Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette (02 Dec 96), there were several
small plots (all <10 acres, apparently) of transgenic corn in Wabash,
Huntington and Allen Counties. Reports from farmers were very positive.
According to the farmers quoted, it increased yield by 6-12 bushels per acre,
which would be 5-10%, I would think. One farmer with high borer infestation
estimated that he grossed $80 per acre more for the Bt variety. Bill
Pilacinski, spokesman for Northrup King, estimated that "...close to 50
percent of the corn growing in the Corn Belt within the next three to five
years would contain the Bt gene." (figures and quote from newspaper article)
David J. Hicks djhicks at manchester.edu
Biology, Manchester College
