Enhancing Non-Bt Corn Refuge Based on Corn Grower and Seed Dealer Surveys

To delay Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) resistance, southern US corn growers are required to plant 20% of their total corn acres to non-Bt hybrids. However, most do not, possibly due to negative perceptions or the lack of availability of non-Bt hybrids. We surveyed 174 corn growers and 32 corn seed dealers in eastern North Carolina, an area that historically has planted little non-Bt corn. Our questions focused on planting behavior and hybrid choice, barriers to planting non-Bt corn, and preferences and challenges for non-Bt corn sales. Only 32% of growers surveyed planted the mandated non-Bt refuge acres. Growers from counties with smaller crop operations and in counties where growers had less graduate education planted less non-Bt seed. Grower perceptions of yield differences between Bt and non-Bt hybrids were ambiguous, but only a few had limited availability or knowledge of non-Bt seed options. Seed dealers were familiar with non-Bt corn hybrids in their portfolio, but not as familiar with non-Bt refuge requirements. Furthermore, dealers indicated obstacles in providing diverse herbicide packages and seed treatments for non-Bt hybrids. We highlight the need for enhanced communication and education initiatives. Strengthening educational outreach to clarify refuge requirements and addressing perceived yield disparities between Bt and non-Bt hybrids could also increase planting of non-Bt refuge. Finally, incentivizing seed dealers to offer and promote non-Bt seed options, coupled with diverse herbicide packages, might increase refuge planting. Our surveys underscore the complexity surrounding grower behaviors, seed dealer dynamics, and the importance of educational efforts and incentives to non-Bt refuge.