Synthetic or biological insecticide performance on Bt corn to control Spodoptera frugiperda

Synthetic or biological insecticide performance on Bt corn to control Spodoptera frugiperda | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Synthetic or biological insecticide performance on Bt corn to control Spodoptera frugiperda Tiago Giacomelli, Igor Sulzbacher Schardong, Henrique Pozebon, and 5 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-6498284/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Published Journal Publication published 16 Dec, 2025 Read the published version in International Journal of Tropical Insect Science → Version 1 posted 5 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith, 1797) is the main defoliating pest of corn ( Zea mays L.) in Brazil. Corn expressing proteins of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) associated with synthetic insecticides is common to manage FAW. However, FAW evolved field resistance to several insecticides and Bt proteins. In this sense, biological insecticides based on Baculovirus spodoptera have become a valuable alternative to control FAW. Our goal was to evaluate the control efficacy of FAW with either biological or synthetic insecticides on Bt corn hybrids. Managing FAW in early-planted non-Bt (Pioneer 30F53R) and Bt corn (Pioneer 32R22YHR, DKB 290, Morgan 20A78,) both required up to 4 or 5 synthetic insecticide applications to manage FAW. Late planted Bt corn required 3 to 7 insecticide applications, depending on the insecticide used, while non-Bt corn required 5 to 7 sprays. Independently of planting date, those corn expressing Vip proteins (Brevant 2401, Pioneer 30F53VYHR) did not require any insecticide spray. The application of insecticides is needed to increase the control of FAW in corn hybrids expressing only Cry toxins. Exalt was the best insecticide to manage FAW in early and late planted corn. Despite treatment with biologicals, damage by FAW remained high and likely contributed to a lower yield in comparison to traditional chemical control. Synthetic insecticides had higher efficacy to manage FAW in early and late-planted corn. The application of biologicals to manage FAW should be further investigated in combination with time and spray technology to improve IPM and IRM. Baculovirus spodoptera fall armyworm Cry toxins integrated pest management integrated resistance management Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Introduction The total area planted to corn in Brazil reached 20.6 million ha in the 2023/2024 field season, producing an estimated 111.6 million tons of grain, with an average yield of 5,4 thousands kg/ha. In the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), the total area planted was 814.9 K/ha, with an average yield of 5.131 million tons.(Conab 2024 ). In southern Brazil, farmers cultivate corn as a first crop (planted early, in September/October) or later in the season as a second crop (planted in December/January). Early corn is exposed to higher temperatures, longer photoperiod and radiation during grain fill and yields higher compared to the late-planted corn (Ribeiro et al. 2020 ). In contrast, second crop corn has also to contend with higher insect infestation levels when pest population levels often exceed thresholds, especially as planting becomes later during the second crop (Burtet et al. 2017 ). Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) or the fall armyworm (FAW) causes severe damage to corn and is challenge to manage with insecticides in early and late planted corn. FAW larvae causes yield loss by infesting the whorl of corn during the vegetative stages, feeding on the leaves and sometimes the ear, limiting plant growth (Jaramillo-Barrios et al. 2020 ). Previous research has shown that in 167 fields of corn in Zimbabwe, leaf damage attributed to FAW varied from 26–54% according to location, and that damage decreased average corn yield by 11.57% (Baudron et al. 2019 ). Similarly, when 20–100% of corn plants in small plots were infested with FAW eggs, yield was reduced by 17% (Cruz and Turpin 1983 ). FAW behaviour of staying in the corn whorl decreases insecticide efficacy because pesticides do not readily penetrate the whorl, leading to an increased number of insecticide applications depending on field season (Pannuti et al. 2016 , Burtet et al. 2017 ). The intensive foliar insecticide spraying has led to FAW resistance to the modes of action of several insecticides, including chlorantraniliprole and permethrin (Bolzan et al. 2019 , Gutiérrez-Moreno et al. 2019 , Chen et al. 2023 ) Additionally, FAW evolved resistance to Bt corn, one of the most common tools to manage this pest. Corn plants producing a toxin from the spores produced by Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (called Bt corn) are consumed by lepidopteran larvae and act on the epithelial cells of the larvae mid-gut. The toxin leads to cell lysis and insect mortality (Abbas 2018 ). The area planted with Bt corn has increased rapidly in several countries such as the USA, Canada, Brazil and Argentina, globally reaching a total of 53,3 million hectares (James 2007). However, FAW evolved resistance to Bt corn expressing Cry1F proteins in Puerto Rico and then to Cry 1Ab in Brazil (Matten et al. 2008 , Omoto et al. 2016 ). Since then, corn expressing two or more Bt proteins, called pyramided traits, has been used to control lepidopterans (Marques et al. 2019 ). Nevertheless, FAW has quickly evolved cross-resistance to toxins, such as Cry1F, Cry1Ab, Cry1A.105/Cry2Ab, Cry1A.105/Cry2Ab2/Cry1F, reducing the efficacy of pyramided traits (Fatoretto et al. 2017 , Boaventura et al. 2021 ). In addition, previous research performed in Rio Grande do Sul state, showed that high infestations of FAW led to a higher number of pesticide applications, whether or not the corn cultivar expressed Bt toxins.(Burtet et al. 2017 ) Currently, Bt corn expressing Vip toxins can successfully control FAW (Gupta et al. 2021 , Horikoshi et al. 2021 ). Vip toxins are produced from the vegetative growth phase of Bt. However, resistance alleles for Vip toxins were found in FAW collected from corn fields and are expected to continue to increase every field season. This increase in resistance poses a serious threat to the best management tool available in the market (Amaral et al. 2020 ). Relying on Bt corn as a silver bullet technology, without adequate implementation of refuge areas, has previously been documented to reduce the efficiency of similar Bt toxins (Cry toxins) to manage FAW (Omoto et al. 2016 ). In this context, the addition of biological pesticides may be included as an additional management practice for this pest, since biologicals are inexpensive and efficient in controlling the targeted species when used under the right conditions.(Abbas et al. 2022 ) The market of biological products for pest management grows an average of 35% a year in Brazil, with microorganisms being the most used method of biological control and often covering 80% of the treated area.(Parra 2023 ) Among the microorganisms used in biological control, viruses are an under-represented means of control and could provide a great potential for pest management.(Abbas et al. 2022 ) One such viral agent, Baculovirus spodoptera (sfMNPV) can control Spodoptera frugiperda ; however, its efficacy is largely dependent on the larvae instar, time of spraying and dose.(Cruz et al. 1997 , Hussain et al. 2021 , Abbas et al. 2022 ) However, the use of biologicals for the control of FAW in field trials of early and late-planted corn in southern Brazil has not yet been reported. This study aimed to evaluate the control, based on leaf injury, of FAW in early and late-planted corn, using either synthetic or biological pesticides integrated within different Bt cultivars. We hypothesized that the biological treatments would be as efficient as synthetic to control FAW and would be reflected in similar corn yield. Material and methods Experimental site and sowing Two sets of crops of Bt and non-Bt corn plants were grown under field conditions in Santa Maria, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil (29º 43' 28" S and 53º 33' 34" W). The first planting date was on November 21, 2019 and the second on January 27, 2020. Weed control was carried out prior to planting with the herbicide glyphosate (1,620 g a.i./ha) and at 7 and 21 days after corn emergence with glyphosate + atrazine (1,080 + 1,500 g a.i./ha). The planting density was 4.5 seeds per meter with spacing of 0.45 m between rows. Fertilization with 300 kg/ha of nitrogen – phosphorus – potassium (NPK 5-20-20), with additional fertilization events at growing stages V4 (four fully expanded leaves) and V8 (eight fully expanded leaves) with 115 kg of N/ha in each application, following the recommendations for corn in the region.(Silva 2016 ) Experimental design and treatments The experimental design was randomized block factorial with four replicates; each plot was composed of five rows of five meter in length by 2.25m width. Treatments were arranged in a 6 by 9 by 2 factorial design. Factor A represented six corn hybrids expressing different Bt proteins (Table 1 ). Factor B consisted of eight insecticidal treatments: six synthetic two biological, and one control being six synthetic insecticides, two biological insecticides based on Baculovirus spodoptera and one control treatment (Table 2 ). Factor C was represented by the two planting dates. In addition, in between the plots with corn hybrids treated with biological insecticides based on Baculovirus spodoptera and those treatments sprayed with synthetic insecticides, there was a 40 m border space in which and Bt corn plants with Vip 3 technology was planted. This border had the goal to avoid virus contamination in synthetic treatments. Table 1 Bt corn hybrids, technology trade names and plant-expressed toxins. Corn hybrid Technology Bt proteins Pioneer 32R22YHR Optimum Intrasect Cry1Ab/ Cry1F DKB 290 VT PRO 3 Cry1A.105/ Cry2Ab2/ Cry3Bb1 Pioneer 30F53VYHR Leptra Cry/ Cry1Ab/ Cry1F/ Vip3Aa20 Morgan 20A78 Power Core Cry1F/ Cry1A.105/ Cry2Ab2 Brevant 2401 Power Core Ultra Cry1F/ Cry1A.105/ Cry2Ab2/ Vip3Aa20 Pioneer 30F53R (non-Bt) - - Table 2 Insecticides, active ingredients, concentration and dose used to control FAW in corn plants. Insecticide Active ingredient Concentration (g a.i./L or kg) Dose (ml or g c.p./ha) Exalt Spinetoram 120 100 Proclaim 50 Emamectin benzoate 50 250 Pirate Chlorfenapyr 240 750 Premio Chlorantraniliprole 800 125 Avatar Indoxacarb 150 400 Voraz Methomyl + Novaluron 440 + 35 500 VirControl SF SfMNPV * 1 8,6x10⁹ * 2 50 Cartugen SfMNPV 404 100 Control - - Injury of FAW and application of treatments Leaf injury from FAW was evaluated every five days, from V3 until V12, on the whorl leaves of 10 corn plants chosen randomly in two central lines of each plot. A leaf injury rating was assigned to each plant according to Davis scale (0 = no injury to 9 = severe injury).(Davis et al. 1992 ) Insecticide treatments were sprayed when at least 10% of the attacked plants reached a damage score ≥ 3.(Burtet et al. 2017 ) A CO 2 -pressurized backpack sprayer was used, with sidebar (2.5 m) composed of 5 nozzles equally spaced (0.5m) (XR 110.02). The spray volume was 150 L/ha. At the end of the experiment, grain yield was evaluated by harvesting the ears of 10 randomly chosen corn plants randomly chosen within the two central lines of the plots. The ears were shelled and the moisture was corrected to 15% to estimate the yield per hectare of each treatment. Statistical analysis The data were analysed for normality using the Shapiro-Wilks test in the Action software (ESTATCAMP, 2014). Afterwards, an analysis of variance (ANOVA) type III using linear mixed models was performed in the R software. The factors Bt corn hybrids, synthetic insecticides and biological insecticides, and their interactions, were considered as fixed factors in the model. Results Insecticides to control fall armyworm in early and late planted corn hybrids Considering plants with damage score ≥ 3, there was significant interaction among corn hybrids, insecticides and planting dates (Table 3 ). In both early and late plantings, 30F53R (non-Bt) had the highest percentage of plants with damage score ≥ 3. In both planting dates, the corn hybrids Pioneer 30F53VYHR and Brevant 2401 did not differ significantly from each other. In these two hybrids, both expressing Vip proteins, the percentage of plants with damage rating score ≥ 3 was below one percent, and did not require any insecticide application (Fig. 1 a, b). Table 3 ANOVA using linear mixed models for the effects of hybrids, insecticides, evaluation dates, planting date and interactions in damage, attacked plants and corn yield. Early × late planted – damage score ≥ 3 Hybrids 5 1026.638 < .0001 Insecticides 8 132.225 < .0001 Planting dates 1 8.823 0.0034 Hybrids × Insecticides 40 15.584 < .0001 Hybrids × Planting date 5 5.891 < .0001 Insecticides × Planting date 8 48.473 < .0001 Hybrids × Insecticides × Planting date 40 5.731 < .0001 Early × late planted – yield Hybrids 5 565.318 < .0001 Insecticides 8 94.862 < .0001 Planting dates 1 131.332 < .0001 Hybrids × Insecticides 40 21.306 < .0001 Hybrids × Planting date 5 89.084 < .0001 Insecticides × Planting date 8 5.943 < .0001 Hybrids × Insecticides × Planting date 40 5.139 < .0001 Regardless of Bt expression and planting date, for the remaining four hybrids (DK 290, Morgan 20A78, Pioneer 32R22YHR, Pioneer 30F53R (non-Bt)), the untreated control and the biological treatments (Cartugen, VirControl) had a higher percentage of plants with damage score ≥ 3 than those plants treated with synthetic insecticides (Exalt, Pirate, Premio, Avatar, and Voraz) (Fig. 2 A). The only exception was Morgan 20A78 in the early-planted corn treated with Proclaim, which had the same percentage of plants with damage score ≥ 3 as the control. Moreover, in late-planted corn, Proclaim had the highest damage score among the synthetic treatments for all four hybrids expressing Cry proteins. In the early planted corn, the hybrids Pioneer 30F53R, Pioneer 32R22YHR, DKB 290 and Morgan 20A78 were damaged at unacceptable levels, requiring up to five insecticide sprays to control FAW (Fig. 2 B,C,D and Table 4 ). 52.75% of Pioneer 30F53R (non-Bt) plants had a damage score ≥ 3 in the untreated control, whereas Pioneer 30F53R (non-Bt) treated with the insecticide Exalt reduced this damage to 29.75% overall. This was the insecticide with the highest efficacy. 48.5% of Pioneer 32R22YHR plants had damage score ≥ 3 in the untreated control, whereas Pioneer 32R22YHR, treated with insecticides Exalt, Pirate, Premio and Avatar were the most effective in controlling FAW, reducing percentage of plants with damage score ≥ 3 by up to 31.25%. These were the insecticides with highest efficacy. 41.5% of DKB 290 plants exhibited damage score ≥ 3 in the untreated control, whereas DKB 290 treated with the synthetic insecticides did not differ significantly among themselves, reducing the percentage of plants with a damage score ≥ 3 by up to 27.75%. 35.5% of Morgan 20A78 plants presented damage score ≥ 3 in the untreated control, whereas Morgan 20A78 treated with insecticides Voraz, Exalt, Avatar, Premio and Pirate reduced damage score ≥ 3 by up to 24%. These were the insecticides with highest efficacy. Table 4 Average yield of corn hybrids and number of sprays under different insecticide treatments against Spodoptera frugiperda , for early and late-planted corn of the 2019/2020 growing season. Early planted Late planted Maize hybrid Insecticide Spray (n) Yield (Kg/ha) a Spray (n) Yield (Kg/ha) a Non Bt (Pioneer 30F53R) Cartugen 5 10070 ± 336 b 7 5498 ± 307 e VirControl 5 8170 ± 335 c 7 6302 ± 118 e Avatar 5 11970 ± 154 a 7 8412 ± 410 d Exalt 5 11856 ± 298 a 5 12374 ± 302 a Pirate 5 12008 ± 149 a 6 12259 ± 294 a Premio 5 11780 ± 178 a 7 10981 ± 213 b Proclaim 5 9880 ± 139 b 7 8082 ± 372 d Voraz 5 10640 ± 93 b 7 9732 ± 410 c Control (Without spray) 0 5890 ± 209 d 0 5498 ± 449 e Pioneer 32R22YHR Cartugen 5 5700 ± 460 c 7 7149 ± 302 b VirControl 5 5700 ± 155 c 7 5742 ± 152 c Avatar 5 7980 ± 189 b 6 7278 ± 394 b Exalt 5 8930 ± 177 a 5 8613 ± 616 a Pirate 5 8835 ± 235 a 5 8613 ± 355 a Premio 5 8170 ± 130 b 6 7622 ± 280 b Proclaim 5 7600 ± 324 b 7 5742 ± 117 c Voraz 5 8360 ± 62 b 7 7622 ± 205 b Control (Without spray) 0 5548 ± 330 c 0 5670 ± 137 c DKB 290 Cartugen 4 11456 ± 258 d 6 11221 ± 281 b VirControl 4 10623 ± 484 e 6 10150 ± 304 c Avatar 4 11873 ± 380 c 3 10654 ± 475 c Exalt 4 15622 ± 387 a 3 12747 ± 239 a Pirate 4 13123 ± 260 b 3 12291 ± 357 a Premio 4 12081 ± 223 c 4 11488 ± 481 b Proclaim 4 12290 ± 249 c 6 9238 ± 260 d Voraz 4 11456 ± 364 d 5 9537 ± 422 d Control (Without spray) 0 10623 ± 829 e 0 9159 ± 201 d Morgan 20A78 Cartugen 4 10833 ± 491 c 6 11031 ± 391 c VirControl 4 13659 ± 252 a 6 13878 ± 492 a Avatar 4 11068 ± 370 c 4 10480 ± 313 c Exalt 4 13659 ± 246 a 5 12881 ± 521 b Pirate 4 11304 ± 402 c 5 12721 ± 639 b Premio 4 12952 ± 194 b 6 11458 ± 443 c Proclaim 4 11304 ± 128 c 6 8860 ± 306 d Voraz 4 12481 ± 341 b 5 11084 ± 502 c Control (Without spray) 0 10174 ± 577 c 0 8042 ± 223 d Pioneer 30F53VYHR - 0 11374 ± 314 0 13284 ± 223 Brevant 2401 - 0 11554 ± 230 0 9288 ± 156 Average number of Chemical Sprays 4.5 5.4 Average number of Biological Sprays 4.5 6.5 a: The yield followed by the same letter is not significantly different using the Tukey-Kramer test, P < 0.05. In late planted, corn hybrids Pioneer 30F53R, Pioneer 32R22YHR, DKB 290 and Morgan 20A78, presented damage higher than acceptable and greater than in early planted, requiring up to seven insecticide applications to enhance control of FAW (Fig. 3 B, C, D, Table 4 ). 69.5% of Pioneer 30F53R (non-Bt) plants presented damage score ≥ 3 in the untreated control, whereas Pioneer 30F53R (non-Bt) treated with insecticide Exalt reduced damage score ≥ 3 to 20%. This was the insecticide with highest efficacy. 68.5% of Pioneer 32R22YHR plants presented damage score ≥ 3 in the untreated control, whereas Pioneer 32R22YHR treated with Exalt, Pirate, Premio, Avatar and Voraz reduced damage score ≥ 3 to 15.5%. 57.5% of DKB 290 plants had damage score ≥ 3 in the untreated control, whereas DKB 290 treated with insecticides Exalt, Premio, Avatar and Voraz, Pirate reduced damage score ≥ 3 to 7%. These insecticides had highest efficacy. 54.75% of Morgan 20A78 plants had damage score ≥ 3 in the untreated control, whereas Morgan 20A78 treated with Exalt, Pirate and Voraz, Avatar reduced damage score ≥ 3 to 14.5%. These were the insecticides with highest efficacy. Grain yield of early and late planted corn hybrids There was a significant interaction among corn hybrids, insecticides and planting dates, influencing corn yield (Table 3 ). In the early planted corn, Pioneer 30F53R (non-Bt) sprayed with Avatar (11,970 ± 154 kg/ha), Exalt (11,856 ± 298 kg/ha), Pirate (12,008 ± 149 kg/ha) and Premio (11,780 ± 178 kg/ha) had the highest yield, whereas the untreated control had lowest yield (5,890 kg/ha) (Table 4 ). Pioneer 32R22YHR sprayed with Exalt (8,930 ± 177 kg/ha) and Pirate (8835 ± 235 kg/ha) had the highest yield, whereas the untreated control (5,548 ± 330 kg/ha) had the lowest yield. The untreated control yields were not significantly different from the treatments Cartugen (5700 ± 460 kg/ha) and VirControl (5700 ± 155 kg/ha). DKB 290 sprayed with Exalt had the highest yield (15,622 ± 387 kg/ha), whereas the untreated control (10,623 ± 829 kg/ha) had lowest yield. The untreated control yields were not significantly different from the treatment VirControl (10,623 ± 484). Morgan 20A78 sprayed with VirControl (13,659 ± 252 kg/ha) and Exalt (13,659 ± 246 kg/ha) had the highest yield, whereas the untreated control (10174 ± 577 kg/ha) had lowest yield. The untreated control yields were not significantly different from the treatments Cartugen (10,833 ± 491 kg/ha), Avatar (11,068 ± 370 kg/ha) and Proclaim (11304 ± 128 kg/ha). In late planted corn, Pioneer 30F53R (non-Bt) sprayed with Exalt (12374 ± 302 kg/ha) and Pirate (12259 ± 294 kg/ha) had the highest yield, whereas Cartugen (5498 ± 307 kg/ha), VirControl (6302 ± 118 kg/ha) and the untreated control (5498 ± 449 kg/ha) had the lowest yield. Pioneer 32R22YHR sprayed with Exalt (8613 ± 616 kg/ha) and Pirate (8613 ± 355 kg/ha) had the highest yield, whereas the untreated control (5670 ± 137 kg/ha), Proclaim (5742 ± 117 kg/ha) and VirControl (5742 ± 152 kg/ha) had lowest yield. DKB 290 sprayed with Exalt (12,747 ± 239 kg/ha) and Pirate (12,291 ± 357 kg/ha) had the highest yield, whereas the untreated control (9159 ± 201 kg/ha) Proclaim (9238 ± 260 kg/ha) and Voraz (9537 ± 422 kg/ha) had the lowest yield. Morgan 20A78 sprayed with VirControl (13878 ± 492 kg/ha) had the highest yield, whereas the untreated control (8042 ± 223 kg/ha) and Proclaim (8860 ± 306 kg/ha) had the lowest yield. Finally, both of the hybrids Pioneer 30F53VYHR and Brevant 2401 that expressed Vip proteins had similar yields of 11,374 kg/ha and 11,554 kg/ha in an early planting, and 13,284 kg/ha and 9,288 kg/ha in a late planting, respectively. Discussion This research improves FAW management in corn, demonstrating that synthetic insecticides combined with Bt corn significantly improved FAW control compared to using Bt corn with biologicals. Previous research has shown the efficacy of Bt traits combined with synthetic insecticides in corn. However, a previous overreliance on a narrow suite of management strategies raises the need for other potential avenues for management such as viral control measures complement IPM strategies in southern Brazil.(Muraro et al. 2019 ) FAW field resistance to hybrids expressing proteins Cry1ab, Cry1F, CryA.105 had been found previously in Brazil, increasing the number of fields exceeding the recommended threshold and requiring insecticide spray.(Burtet et al. 2017 , Muraro et al. 2019 ) In the early planting of this experiment, the number of sprays was similar between hybrids, independent of insecticides, likely because of the low infestation of FAW. However, in the late planting, when pest pressure was high, both Bt and non-Bt corn treated with Baculovirus-based insecticides (Cartugen and VirControl) required more sprays than synthetic insecticides. Conversely, corn hybrids expressing the Vip3Aa20 protein did not require insecticide spraying for FAW. Finally, yield was higher overall in corn treated with synthetic compared to biological insecticides, likely due to the differences in leaf damage from FAW, among treatments. The number of sprays increased from the first to the second planting date, indicating the necessity of spraying insecticide in Bt corn. In southern Brazil, the population dynamics of FAW throughout the year is not clearly described in the literature because of the diversification of crops grown in the region. Oat, wheat, and rice are cultivated in Argentina and Paraguay, expanding the host range area for different populations of FAW that may migrate to Brazil. However, the population of FAW tends to be higher in late-planted corn.(Murúa et al. 2006 ) In Brazil, this may be explained by the intensification of the agricultural system along with the biology of FAW, since this pest overlaps generations throughout a field season, increasing the pressure on Bt corn used for management.(Omoto et al. 2016 ) Additionally, previous research has shown that early planted Bt corn requires up to 3 sprays, while late planted corn requires up to 4 sprays, corroborating our results.(Burtet et al. 2017 ) The increase in sprays to control FAW in our results compared to previous research may indicate lower efficacy of synthetic pesticides, requiring the combination of different modes of action. In both growing seasons, Pioneer 30F53R (non-Bt) and Pioneer 32R22YHR (Cry1F and Cry1Ab) were less effective to control of FAW and yielded similarly. These technologies were released for commercial use in Brazil beginning in 2007 and 2008.(James 2007, James and International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications 2008, Storer et al. 2012 ) However, corn expressing the toxins Cry1Ab and Cry 1F did not provide satisfactory control of FAW due to field-evolved resistance to these toxins(Barcelos and Angelini 2018 ). This has been linked to the widespread adoption of corn hybrids expressing these toxins, without the implementation of refuge areas and has led to cross-resistance.(Diez-Rodríguez and Omoto 2001 , Farias et al. 2014 ) We noted similar results, as DKB 290 and Morgan 20A78 were control failures against FAW during both crop seasons. In 2017, 2 different populations of FAW showed recessive, complete, and stable resistance to corn expressing Cry 1A.105 and Cry2Ab toxins in south-eastern Brazil.(Orozco-Restrepo et al. 2024 May 4) Similarly, our results corroborate field-evolved resistance of FAW to corn expressing Cry1A.105 and Cry2Ab toxins in southern Brazil, aligning with previous research where these hybrids exceeded leaf damage threshold.(Burtet et al. 2017 ) Alternatively, the two hybrids Pioneer 30F53VYHR and Brevant 2401, expressing Vip and Cry toxins, were highly effective to control FAW. Unlike Cry, which is produced during the sporulation stage of B. thurigiensis , Vip toxins are produced and secreted during the bacterium’s vegetative growth stage. As a result, they have a different mode of action than Cry and offer a promising alternative for control.(Estruch et al. 1996 , Moscardini et al. 2020 ) In the first and second crops, DKB 290, Morgan 20A78, Pioneer 32R22YHR required insecticide applications to enhance control of FAW. The biologicals Cartugen (liquid–concentrated suspension) and VirControl (powder), presented low efficacy to control of FAW independently of the formulation. The low efficacy of viruses might be due to the lack of affinity between baculovirus and FAW strains since there is a variation in the time of mortality depending on isolate tested in corn strain FAW.(Popham et al. 2021 ) Moreover, the time of application of a biological insecticide may be important, since these products usually have reduced efficacy when exposed to sunlight and temperatures higher than 20 o C.(Behle and Popham 2012 ) Finally, FAW larvae continually injure corn leaves sprayed with viruses. Virus infection in lepidopterans occurs through ingestion of tissue coated or sprayed with virus. However, there is a delay from the time larvae consumes tissue and die by virus infection, allowing them to keep feeding on leaves. Furthermore, in some instances, virus-infected Noctuidae larvae consume more tissue than uninfected larvae.(Subrahmanyam and Ramakrishnan 1981 ) , (Vasconcelos et al. 2005 ) Nonetheless, the use of viruses is becoming common in Brazil to control lepidopterans and these possible explanations should be further investigated to improve IPM and IRM programs in corn. For example, efficacy might increase through the combination of other resources, such as the addition of water in the maize whorl, forcing the larvae to leave the whorl and exposing them to pesticides.(Bialozor et al. 2020 ) In these trials, synthetic insecticides performed excellently controlling FAW, whether or not the FAW were resistant or not resistant to Bt toxins. Among the synthetic insecticides, Proclaim had the lowest efficacy against FAW, especially in the second planting, when pest pressure increased. This result supports the evidence of field-evolved resistance of FAW across Brazil to emamectin benzoate (MoA of Proclaim).(Muraro et al. 2022 ) Moreover, the insecticide Exalt had superior control of FAW in the non-Bt corn hybrid during both crop seasons. Hybrids expressing only Cry toxins (DKB 290, Morgan 20A78, Pioneer 32R22YHR) and sprayed with Exalt, Pirate, Premio, Avatar or Voraz had similar performance controlling FAW that were resistant to Bt corn (Figs. 2 and 3 ). Populations of FAW sampled in the RS state, where our study took place, show high susceptibility to spinetoram, chlorfenapyr, chlorantraniliprole and indoxacarb.(Ribeiro 2014 , Fernandes et al. 2018 , Lira 2019 , Kaiser et al. 2021 ) The efficacy of these products to protect corn yield against FAW has been showed in field trials with different corn hybrids as well. Spinetoram and chlorfenapyr sprayed on Bt corn (DKB390PRO and 2A620PW) and non-Bt corn (30F53) yielded higher compared to control plots in southern Brazil,(Burtet et al. 2017 , Muraro et al. 2019 ) corroborating our results and explaining the performance of synthetic insecticides in our research. In another Indian corn study, chlorantraniliprole and spinetoram had better control of FAW and higher yield compared to corn treated with Voraz.(Deshmukh et al. 2020 Jul 9) Although yield varies among insecticides and hybrids, the use of different insecticide modes of action and Bt toxins must be taken into consideration to avoid loss of technologies used in FAW IPM and IRM. In conclusion, the high population of FAW later in the season combined with the loss of Bt (Cry toxins) efficacy requires increased control of FAW of corn grown as a second crop. The synthetic insecticides tested in this research were efficient in controlling FAW. Moreover, the low efficacy of Baculovirus spodoptera (sfMNPV) points out the need to find new strains and other entomopathogens like fungi or Bt sprayed to improve the IPM of FAW. Declarations Acknowledgments We thank the IPM lab at Universidade Federal de Santa Maria for the support on this project. Availability of data and material Raw data was generated at Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. Data supporting the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon request. Author’s contribution TG – Writing first draft carried out experiments, data collection, analysis, methodology and project management, discussion. ISS, CRP – Major revisions, data analysis and discussion. EMB, GC, HP – Data collection, methodology, discussion. JVCG, JAA – Funding, major revisions and supervision. Funding The research was funded by the Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior (CAPES). Compliance with ethical standards Conflicts of interest/Competing interests The authors declare no conflict of interest. Consent to participate All authors were involved in the study Consent for publication All authors agreed to be part of the publication References Abbas A, Ullah F, Hafeez M, et al. 2022. Biological Control of Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda. Agronomy. 12(11):2704. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12112704 Abbas MST. 2018. Genetically engineered (modified) crops (Bacillus thuringiensis crops) and the world controversy on their safety. Egyptian Journal of Biological Pest Control. 28(1):52. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41938-018-0051-2 Amaral FSA, Guidolin AS, Salmeron E, et al. 2020. Geographical distribution of Vip3Aa20 resistance allele frequencies in Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) populations in Brazil. Pest Management Science. 76(1):169–178. https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.5490 Barcelos PHS, Angelini MR. 2018. CONTROLE DE Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith, 1797) EM DIFERENTES TECNOLOGIAS Bts (Bacillus thuringienses) NA CULTURA DO MILHO. REVISTA DE AGRICULTURA NEOTROPICAL. 5(1):35–40. https://doi.org/10.32404/rean.v5i1.1824 Baudron F, Zaman-Allah MA, Chaipa I, et al. 2019. Understanding the factors influencing fall armyworm ( Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith) damage in African smallholder maize fields and quantifying its impact on yield. A case study in Eastern Zimbabwe. Crop Protection. 120:141–150. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2019.01.028 Behle RW, Popham HJR. 2012. Laboratory and field evaluations of the efficacy of a fast-killing baculovirus isolate from Spodoptera frugiperda . Journal of Invertebrate Pathology. 109(2):194–200. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jip.2011.11.002 Bialozor A, Perini CR, Arnemann JA, et al. 2020. Water in maize whorl enhances the control of Spodoptera frugiperda with insecticides. Pesqui. Agropecu. Trop. 50:e59517. https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-40632020v5059517 Boaventura D, Buer B, Hamaekers N, et al. 2021. Toxicological and molecular profiling of insecticide resistance in a Brazilian strain of fall armyworm resistant to Bt Cry1 proteins. Pest Manag Sci. 77(8):3713–3726. https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.6061 Bolzan A, Padovez FE, Nascimento AR, et al. 2019. Selection and characterization of the inheritance of resistance of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to chlorantraniliprole and cross-resistance to other diamide insecticides. Pest Management Science. 75(10):2682–2689. https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.5376 Burtet LM, Bernardi O, Melo AA, et al. 2017. Managing fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), with Bt maize and insecticides in southern Brazil. Pest Management Science. 73(12):2569–2577. https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.4660 Chen H-L, Hasnain A, Cheng Q-H, et al. 2023. Resistance monitoring and mechanism in the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) for chlorantraniliprole from Sichuan Province, China. Frontiers in Physiology. 14. [accessed 2024 Feb 29]. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2023.1180655. Conab. 2024. Acompanhamento da Safra Brasileira de Grãos. [accessed 2024 May 20]. http://www.conab.gov.br/info-agro/safras/graos/boletim-da-safra-de-graos. Cruz I, Figueiredo MLC, Valicente FH, et al. 1997. Application rate trials with a nuclear polyhedrosis virus to control Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) on maize. An. Soc. Entomol. Bras. 26:145–152. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0301-80591997000100019 Cruz I, Turpin FT. 1983. Yield Impact of Larval Infestations of the Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to Midwhorl Growth Stage of Corn1. Journal of Economic Entomology. 76(5):1052–1054. https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/76.5.1052 Davis FM, Ng S, Williams W. 1992. Visual rating scales for screening whorl-stage corn for resistance to fall armyworm. Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Research Experiment Station: Mississippi State University, MS, USA.: Mississippi State University. http:// www. nal. usda. gov/. Deshmukh S, Pavithra HB, Kalleshwaraswamy CM, et al. 2020 Jul 9. Field efficacy of insecticides for management of invasive fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on maize in India. Florida Entomologist.:221–227. Diez-Rodríguez GI, Omoto C. 2001. Herança da resistência de Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) a lambda-cialotrina. Neotrop. entomol. 30:311–316. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1519-566X2001000200016 Estruch JJ, Warren GW, Mullins MA, et al. 1996. Vip3A, a novel Bacillus thuringiensis vegetative insecticidal protein with a wide spectrum of activities against lepidopteran insects. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 93(11):5389–5394. Farias JR, Andow DA, Horikoshi RJ, et al. 2014. Field-evolved resistance to Cry1F maize by Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Brazil. Crop Protection. 64:150–158. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2014.06.019 Fatoretto JC, Michel AP, Silva Filho MC, et al. 2017. Adaptive Potential of Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Limits Bt Trait Durability in Brazil. Journal of Integrated Pest Management. 8(1):17. https://doi.org/10.1093/jipm/pmx011 Fernandes FO, Abreu JA, Christ LM, et al. 2018. Efficacy of Insecticides Against Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith, 1797). Journal of Agricultural Science. 11(1):p494. https://doi.org/10.5539/jas.v11n1p494 Gupta M, Kumar H, Kaur S. 2021. Vegetative Insecticidal Protein (Vip): A Potential Contender From Bacillus thuringiensis for Efficient Management of Various Detrimental Agricultural Pests. Front Microbiol. 12:659736. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2021.659736 Gutiérrez-Moreno R, Mota-Sanchez D, Blanco CA, et al. 2019. Field-Evolved Resistance of the Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to Synthetic Insecticides in Puerto Rico and Mexico. Journal of Economic Entomology. 112(2):792–802. https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toy372 Horikoshi RJ, Vertuan H, de Castro AA, et al. 2021. A new generation of Bt maize for control of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). Pest Management Science. 77(8):3727–3736. https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.6334 Hussain AG, Wennmann JT, Goergen G, et al. 2021. Viruses of the Fall Armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda: A Review with Prospects for Biological Control. Viruses. 13(11):2220. https://doi.org/10.3390/v13112220 James C. 2007. Global status of commercialized biotech/GM crops. 2007. International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications, editor. Ithaca, NY: ISAAA (ISAAA briefs). James C, International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications, editors. 2008. Global Status of Commercialized Biotech/GM Crops: 2008. Ithaca, NY: ISAAA (ISAAA briefs). Jaramillo-Barrios CI, Varón-Devia EH, Monje-Andrade B, et al. 2020. Economic injury level and action thresholds for Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in maize crops. Revista Facultad Nacional de Agronomía Medellín. 73(1):9065–9076. https://doi.org/10.15446/rfnam.v73n1.78824 Kaiser IS, Kanno RH, Bolzan A, et al. 2021. Baseline Response, Monitoring, and Cross-Resistance of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to Sodium Channel Blocker Insecticides in Brazil. Journal of Economic Entomology. 114(2):903–913. https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toab011 Lira EDC. 2019. Monitoramento e padrão de herança da resistência de Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) a spinetoram [Mestrado em Entomologia]. Universidade de São Paulo. https://doi.org/10.11606/D.11.2019.tde-23012019-150921 Marques LH, Santos AC, Castro BA, et al. 2019. Assessing the Efficacy of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Pyramided Proteins Cry1F, Cry1A.105, Cry2Ab2, and Vip3Aa20 Expressed in Bt Maize Against Lepidopteran Pests in Brazil. Journal of Economic Entomology. 112(2):803–811. https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toy380 Matten SR, Head GP, Quemada HD. 2008. How Governmental Regulation Can Help or Hinder the Integration of Bt Crops within IPM Programs. Integration of Insect-Resistant Genetically Modified Crops within IPM Programs. 5:27–39. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-8373-0_2 Moscardini VF, Marques LH, Santos AC, et al. 2020. Efficacy of Bacillus thuringiensis ( Bt ) maize expressing Cry1F, Cry1A.105, Cry2Ab2 and Vip3Aa20 proteins to manage the fall armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Brazil. Crop Protection. 137:105269. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2020.105269 Muraro DS, Garlet CG, Godoy DN, et al. 2019. Laboratory and field survival of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on Bt and non-Bt maize and its susceptibility to insecticides. Pest Management Science. 75(8):2202–2210. https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.5347 Muraro DS, Salmeron E, Cruz JVS, et al. 2022. Evidence of field-evolved resistance in Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to emamectin benzoate in Brazil. Crop Protection. 162:106071. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2022.106071 Murúa G, Molina-Ochoa J, Coviella C. 2006. POPULATION DYNAMICS OF THE FALL ARMYWORM, SPODOPTERA FRUGIPERDA (LEPIDOPTERA: NOCTUIDAE) AND ITS PARASITOIDS IN NORTHWESTERN ARGENTINA. flen. 89(2):175–182. https://doi.org/10.1653/0015-4040(2006)89[175:PDOTFA]2.0.CO;2 Omoto C, Bernardi O, Salmeron E, et al. 2016. Field-evolved resistance to Cry1Ab maize by Spodoptera frugiperda in Brazil. Pest Management Science. 72(9):1727–1736. https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.4201 Orozco-Restrepo SM, Santos-Amaya OF, Miranda M de S, et al. 2024 May 4. Fall armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): practical resistance of 2 Brazilian populations to Cry1A.105 + Cry2Ab and Cry1F Bt maize. Journal of Economic Entomology.:toae082. https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toae082 Pannuti LER, Baldin ELL, Hunt TE, et al. 2016. On-Plant Larval Movement and Feeding Behavior of Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on Reproductive Corn Stages. Environmental Entomology. 45(1):192–200. https://doi.org/10.1093/ee/nvv159 Parra JRP. 2023. Biological Control in Brazil: state of art and perspectives. Sci. agric. (Piracicaba, Braz.). 80:e20230080. https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-992X-2023-0080 Popham HJR, Rowley DL, Harrison RL. 2021. Differential insecticidal properties of Spodoptera frugiperda multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus isolates against corn-strain and rice-strain fall armyworm, and genomic analysis of three isolates. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology. 183:107561. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jip.2021.107561 Ribeiro BSMR, Zanon AJ, Streck NA, et al. 2020. Ecofisiologia do milho visando altas produtividades. Editora GR. Ribeiro RDS. 2014. Monitoramento da suscetibilidade de populações de Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) a inseticidas diamidas no Brasil [Mestrado em Entomologia]. Universidade de São Paulo. https://doi.org/10.11606/D.11.2014.tde-11112014-153823 Silva LS da. 2016. Manual de calagem e edubação para os estados do Rio Grande do Sul e de Santa Catarina. 11th ed. DR Publicidade. Storer NP, Kubiszak ME, Ed King J, et al. 2012. Status of resistance to Bt maize in Spodoptera frugiperda: lessons from Puerto Rico. J Invertebr Pathol. 110(3):294–300. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jip.2012.04.007 Subrahmanyam B, Ramakrishnan N. 1981. Influence of a baculovirus infection on molting and food consumption by Spodoptera litura . Journal of Invertebrate Pathology. 38(2):161–168. https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-2011(81)90118-X Vasconcelos SD, Hails RS, Speight MR, et al. 2005. Differential crop damage by healthy and nucleopolyhedrovirus-infected Mamestra brassicae L. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae: A field examination. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology. 88(2):177–179. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jip.2005.01.002 Cite Share Download PDF Status: Published Journal Publication published 16 Dec, 2025 Read the published version in International Journal of Tropical Insect Science → Version 1 posted Editorial decision: Minor revisions 07 Sep, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 18 Jun, 2025 Reviewers invited by journal 13 Jun, 2025 Editor assigned by journal 25 Apr, 2025 First submitted to journal 23 Apr, 2025 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-6498284","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":470820879,"identity":"591e76e3-a906-4b43-9709-00eb74f5fb11","order_by":0,"name":"Tiago Giacomelli","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Federal University of Santa Maria: Universidade Federal de Santa Maria","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Tiago","middleName":"","lastName":"Giacomelli","suffix":""},{"id":470820880,"identity":"846d8948-aca3-483a-9aa0-bf58fb8f7f49","order_by":1,"name":"Igor Sulzbacher Schardong","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAAwUlEQVRIiWNgGAWjYBACNgYGxgOMDQxyUD4zUVoYQFqMidfCANWS2EC0Fj7+MwYHf+6wS9/OfvyZBEOFNUwvHodJ5BgckDyTnLuzJ8dMguFMOjFaeAwOGLYx5264wcMmwdh2mAgtQIcdSGyrTze4wf5MgvEfMVoYgA472HY4weAGg5kEYwMxWiTSCg42njluuOFMjrFFwrF0Y4Ja5PsPb3z4c0e1vMHx4w9vfKixliWoBRUkkKZ8FIyCUTAKRgEuAAD71T4+v2REoQAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==","orcid":"https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6199-530X","institution":"North Carolina State University","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Igor","middleName":"Sulzbacher","lastName":"Schardong","suffix":""},{"id":470820881,"identity":"26db1d27-0206-4cf3-9d9a-45702ef937ab","order_by":2,"name":"Henrique Pozebon","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Federal University of Santa Maria: Universidade Federal de Santa Maria","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Henrique","middleName":"","lastName":"Pozebon","suffix":""},{"id":470820882,"identity":"b0f188d4-1d50-4c0e-a224-947a80f60c87","order_by":3,"name":"Clerison Regis Perini","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Federal University of Santa Maria: Universidade Federal de Santa Maria","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Clerison","middleName":"Regis","lastName":"Perini","suffix":""},{"id":470820883,"identity":"408e5f80-caea-4574-8b50-6dcfdf733478","order_by":4,"name":"Gabriel Camatti","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Federal University of Santa Maria: Universidade Federal de Santa Maria","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Gabriel","middleName":"","lastName":"Camatti","suffix":""},{"id":470820884,"identity":"dfbce5f7-cf96-4dea-9078-44adb4d12c8b","order_by":5,"name":"Eduardo Moraes Brum","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Federal University of Santa Maria: Universidade Federal de Santa Maria","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Eduardo","middleName":"Moraes","lastName":"Brum","suffix":""},{"id":470820885,"identity":"2f4c0164-f006-4ba0-8e6a-76152a87eb5c","order_by":6,"name":"Jonas Andre Arnemann","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Federal University of Santa Maria: Universidade Federal de Santa Maria","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Jonas","middleName":"Andre","lastName":"Arnemann","suffix":""},{"id":470820886,"identity":"617e31bd-78be-4680-9251-5c7932540a16","order_by":7,"name":"Jerson Vanderlei Carus Guedes","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Federal University of Santa Maria: Universidade Federal de Santa Maria","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Jerson","middleName":"Vanderlei Carus","lastName":"Guedes","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2025-04-21 18:57:35","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6498284/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6498284/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[{"content":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s42690-025-01691-5","type":"published","date":"2025-12-16T15:57:40+00:00"}],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":84789995,"identity":"51245fa4-bd22-4fcb-9162-47765a6da289","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-06-17 11:09:03","extension":"jpeg","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":71400,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003ePercentage of plants with damage rating eauql or higher 3 by corn hybrid planted early (a) and late (b) in the season. Bars with the same letter do not differ by ANOVA followed by Tukey's test (p \u0026gt;0.05). Santa Maria - RS.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage1.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6498284/v1/92c336bac2742e5511a07b0b.jpeg"},{"id":84789988,"identity":"bdda3bc8-840a-4491-9479-654408480466","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-06-17 11:09:02","extension":"jpeg","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":97791,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003ePercentage of plants with damage score equal or higher three by insecticide sprayed for hybrids Pioneer 30F53R (a), Pioneer 32R22YHR (b), DKB 290 (c) and Morgan 20A78 (d) in early planted corn. Bars with the same letter do not differ by ANOVA followed by Tukey's test (p \u0026gt;0.05). Santa Maria - RS.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage2.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6498284/v1/f29d79971106383e21d64f82.jpeg"},{"id":84789989,"identity":"1b2acff4-2137-40a3-9d13-6c0d6f1ceff5","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-06-17 11:09:02","extension":"jpeg","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":97595,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003ePercentage of plants with damage score equal or higher three by insecticide sprayed for hybrids Pioneer 30F53R (a), Pioneer 32R22YHR (b), DKB 290 (c) and Morgan 20A78 (d) in late planted corn. Bars with the same letter do not differ by ANOVA followed by Tukey's test (p \u0026gt;0.05). Santa Maria - RS.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage3.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6498284/v1/691a66c7a37454dcdc83d7ac.jpeg"},{"id":98813915,"identity":"716de438-b99e-48e3-9ae3-fcdc8a29c92b","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-22 16:07:38","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":1282502,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6498284/v1/07c372fb-49fb-4712-91dc-0999140d7172.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"","formattedTitle":"Synthetic or biological insecticide performance on Bt corn to control Spodoptera frugiperda","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe total area planted to corn in Brazil reached 20.6\u0026nbsp;million ha in the 2023/2024 field season, producing an estimated 111.6\u0026nbsp;million tons of grain, with an average yield of 5,4 thousands kg/ha. In the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), the total area planted was 814.9 K/ha, with an average yield of 5.131\u0026nbsp;million tons.(Conab \u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e). In southern Brazil, farmers cultivate corn as a first crop (planted early, in September/October) or later in the season as a second crop (planted in December/January). Early corn is exposed to higher temperatures, longer photoperiod and radiation during grain fill and yields higher compared to the late-planted corn (Ribeiro et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR42\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). In contrast, second crop corn has also to contend with higher insect infestation levels when pest population levels often exceed thresholds, especially as planting becomes later during the second crop (Burtet et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eSpodoptera frugiperda\u003c/em\u003e (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) or the fall armyworm (FAW) causes severe damage to corn and is challenge to manage with insecticides in early and late planted corn. FAW larvae causes yield loss by infesting the whorl of corn during the vegetative stages, feeding on the leaves and sometimes the ear, limiting plant growth (Jaramillo-Barrios et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). Previous research has shown that in 167 fields of corn in Zimbabwe, leaf damage attributed to FAW varied from 26\u0026ndash;54% according to location, and that damage decreased average corn yield by 11.57% (Baudron et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e). Similarly, when 20\u0026ndash;100% of corn plants in small plots were infested with FAW eggs, yield was reduced by 17% (Cruz and Turpin \u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1983\u003c/span\u003e). FAW behaviour of staying in the corn whorl decreases insecticide efficacy because pesticides do not readily penetrate the whorl, leading to an increased number of insecticide applications depending on field season (Pannuti et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR39\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e, Burtet et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e). The intensive foliar insecticide spraying has led to FAW resistance to the modes of action of several insecticides, including chlorantraniliprole and permethrin (Bolzan et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e, Guti\u0026eacute;rrez-Moreno et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e, Chen et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAdditionally, FAW evolved resistance to Bt corn, one of the most common tools to manage this pest. Corn plants producing a toxin from the spores produced by \u003cem\u003eBacillus thuringiensis\u003c/em\u003e Berliner (called Bt corn) are consumed by lepidopteran larvae and act on the epithelial cells of the larvae mid-gut. The toxin leads to cell lysis and insect mortality (Abbas \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). The area planted with Bt corn has increased rapidly in several countries such as the USA, Canada, Brazil and Argentina, globally reaching a total of 53,3\u0026nbsp;million hectares (James 2007). However, FAW evolved resistance to Bt corn expressing Cry1F proteins in Puerto Rico and then to Cry 1Ab in Brazil (Matten et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2008\u003c/span\u003e, Omoto et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e). Since then, corn expressing two or more Bt proteins, called pyramided traits, has been used to control lepidopterans (Marques et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e). Nevertheless, FAW has quickly evolved cross-resistance to toxins, such as Cry1F, Cry1Ab, Cry1A.105/Cry2Ab, Cry1A.105/Cry2Ab2/Cry1F, reducing the efficacy of pyramided traits (Fatoretto et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e, Boaventura et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). In addition, previous research performed in Rio Grande do Sul state, showed that high infestations of FAW led to a higher number of pesticide applications, whether or not the corn cultivar expressed Bt toxins.(Burtet et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCurrently, Bt corn expressing Vip toxins can successfully control FAW (Gupta et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e, Horikoshi et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). Vip toxins are produced from the vegetative growth phase of Bt. However, resistance alleles for Vip toxins were found in FAW collected from corn fields and are expected to continue to increase every field season. This increase in resistance poses a serious threat to the best management tool available in the market (Amaral et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). Relying on Bt corn as a silver bullet technology, without adequate implementation of refuge areas, has previously been documented to reduce the efficiency of similar Bt toxins (Cry toxins) to manage FAW (Omoto et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e). In this context, the addition of biological pesticides may be included as an additional management practice for this pest, since biologicals are inexpensive and efficient in controlling the targeted species when used under the right conditions.(Abbas et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe market of biological products for pest management grows an average of 35% a year in Brazil, with microorganisms being the most used method of biological control and often covering 80% of the treated area.(Parra \u003cspan citationid=\"CR40\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e) Among the microorganisms used in biological control, viruses are an under-represented means of control and could provide a great potential for pest management.(Abbas et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e) One such viral agent, \u003cem\u003eBaculovirus spodoptera\u003c/em\u003e (sfMNPV) can control \u003cem\u003eSpodoptera frugiperda\u003c/em\u003e; however, its efficacy is largely dependent on the larvae instar, time of spraying and dose.(Cruz et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1997\u003c/span\u003e, Hussain et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e, Abbas et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e) However, the use of biologicals for the control of FAW in field trials of early and late-planted corn in southern Brazil has not yet been reported. This study aimed to evaluate the control, based on leaf injury, of FAW in early and late-planted corn, using either synthetic or biological pesticides integrated within different Bt cultivars. We hypothesized that the biological treatments would be as efficient as synthetic to control FAW and would be reflected in similar corn yield.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Material and methods","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eExperimental site and sowing\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eTwo sets of crops of Bt and non-Bt corn plants were grown under field conditions in Santa Maria, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil (29\u0026ordm; 43' 28\" S and 53\u0026ordm; 33' 34\" W). The first planting date was on November 21, 2019 and the second on January 27, 2020. Weed control was carried out prior to planting with the herbicide glyphosate (1,620 g a.i./ha) and at 7 and 21 days after corn emergence with glyphosate\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;atrazine (1,080\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;1,500 g a.i./ha). The planting density was 4.5 seeds per meter with spacing of 0.45 m between rows. Fertilization with 300 kg/ha of nitrogen \u0026ndash; phosphorus \u0026ndash; potassium (NPK 5-20-20), with additional fertilization events at growing stages V4 (four fully expanded leaves) and V8 (eight fully expanded leaves) with 115 kg of N/ha in each application, following the recommendations for corn in the region.(Silva \u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eExperimental design and treatments\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe experimental design was randomized block factorial with four replicates; each plot was composed of five rows of five meter in length by 2.25m width. Treatments were arranged in a 6 by 9 by 2 factorial design. Factor A represented six corn hybrids expressing different Bt proteins (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). Factor B consisted of eight insecticidal treatments: six synthetic two biological, and one control being six synthetic insecticides, two biological insecticides based on \u003cem\u003eBaculovirus spodoptera\u003c/em\u003e and one control treatment (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). Factor C was represented by the two planting dates. In addition, in between the plots with corn hybrids treated with biological insecticides based on \u003cem\u003eBaculovirus spodoptera\u003c/em\u003e and those treatments sprayed with synthetic insecticides, there was a 40 m border space in which and Bt corn plants with Vip 3 technology was planted. This border had the goal to avoid virus contamination in synthetic treatments.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBt corn hybrids, technology trade names and plant-expressed toxins.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"3\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCorn hybrid\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTechnology\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBt proteins\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePioneer 32R22YHR\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOptimum Intrasect\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCry1Ab/ Cry1F\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDKB 290\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVT PRO 3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCry1A.105/ Cry2Ab2/ Cry3Bb1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePioneer 30F53VYHR\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLeptra\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCry/ Cry1Ab/ Cry1F/ Vip3Aa20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMorgan 20A78\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePower Core\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCry1F/ Cry1A.105/ Cry2Ab2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBrevant 2401\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePower Core Ultra\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCry1F/ Cry1A.105/ Cry2Ab2/ Vip3Aa20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePioneer 30F53R (non-Bt)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eInsecticides, active ingredients, concentration and dose used to control FAW in corn plants.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eInsecticide\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eActive ingredient\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eConcentration\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(g a.i./L or kg)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDose\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(ml or g c.p./ha)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eExalt\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSpinetoram\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e120\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eProclaim 50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEmamectin benzoate\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e250\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePirate\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eChlorfenapyr\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e240\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e750\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePremio\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eChlorantraniliprole\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e800\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e125\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAvatar\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndoxacarb\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e150\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e400\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVoraz\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMethomyl\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;Novaluron\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e440\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;35\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e500\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVirControl SF\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSfMNPV *\u003csup\u003e1\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8,6x10⁹ *\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCartugen\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSfMNPV\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e404\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eControl\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e-\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eInjury of FAW and application of treatments\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeaf injury from FAW was evaluated every five days, from V3 until V12, on the whorl leaves of 10 corn plants chosen randomly in two central lines of each plot. A leaf injury rating was assigned to each plant according to Davis scale (0\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;no injury to 9\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;severe injury).(Davis et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1992\u003c/span\u003e) Insecticide treatments were sprayed when at least 10% of the attacked plants reached a damage score\u0026thinsp;\u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;3.(Burtet et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e) A CO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-pressurized backpack sprayer was used, with sidebar (2.5 m) composed of 5 nozzles equally spaced (0.5m) (XR 110.02). The spray volume was 150 L/ha. At the end of the experiment, grain yield was evaluated by harvesting the ears of 10 randomly chosen corn plants randomly chosen within the two central lines of the plots. The ears were shelled and the moisture was corrected to 15% to estimate the yield per hectare of each treatment.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eStatistical analysis\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe data were analysed for normality using the Shapiro-Wilks test in the Action software (ESTATCAMP, 2014). Afterwards, an analysis of variance (ANOVA) type III using linear mixed models was performed in the R software. The factors Bt corn hybrids, synthetic insecticides and biological insecticides, and their interactions, were considered as fixed factors in the model.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Results","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eInsecticides to control fall armyworm in early and late planted corn hybrids\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eConsidering plants with damage score\u0026thinsp;\u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;3, there was significant interaction among corn hybrids, insecticides and planting dates (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e). In both early and late plantings, 30F53R (non-Bt) had the highest percentage of plants with damage score\u0026thinsp;\u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;3. In both planting dates, the corn hybrids Pioneer 30F53VYHR and Brevant 2401 did not differ significantly from each other. In these two hybrids, both expressing Vip proteins, the percentage of plants with damage rating score\u0026thinsp;\u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;3 was below one percent, and did not require any insecticide application (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003ea, b).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eANOVA using linear mixed models for the effects of hybrids, insecticides, evaluation dates, planting date and interactions in damage, attacked plants and corn yield.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEarly \u0026times; late planted \u0026ndash; damage score\u0026thinsp;\u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHybrids\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1026.638\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.0001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eInsecticides\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e132.225\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.0001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePlanting dates\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.823\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0034\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHybrids \u0026times; Insecticides\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15.584\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.0001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHybrids \u0026times; Planting date\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.891\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.0001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eInsecticides \u0026times; Planting date\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e48.473\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.0001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHybrids \u0026times; Insecticides \u0026times; Planting date\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.731\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.0001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEarly \u0026times; late planted \u0026ndash; yield\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHybrids\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e565.318\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.0001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eInsecticides\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e94.862\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.0001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePlanting dates\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e131.332\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.0001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHybrids \u0026times; Insecticides\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21.306\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.0001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHybrids \u0026times; Planting date\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e89.084\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.0001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eInsecticides \u0026times; Planting date\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.943\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.0001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHybrids \u0026times; Insecticides \u0026times; Planting date\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.139\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.0001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRegardless of Bt expression and planting date, for the remaining four hybrids (DK 290, Morgan 20A78, Pioneer 32R22YHR, Pioneer 30F53R (non-Bt)), the untreated control and the biological treatments (Cartugen, VirControl) had a higher percentage of plants with damage score\u0026thinsp;\u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;3 than those plants treated with synthetic insecticides (Exalt, Pirate, Premio, Avatar, and Voraz) (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003eA). The only exception was Morgan 20A78 in the early-planted corn treated with Proclaim, which had the same percentage of plants with damage score\u0026thinsp;\u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;3 as the control. Moreover, in late-planted corn, Proclaim had the highest damage score among the synthetic treatments for all four hybrids expressing Cry proteins.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn the early planted corn, the hybrids Pioneer 30F53R, Pioneer 32R22YHR, DKB 290 and Morgan 20A78 were damaged at unacceptable levels, requiring up to five insecticide sprays to control FAW (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003eB,C,D and Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e). 52.75% of Pioneer 30F53R (non-Bt) plants had a damage score\u0026thinsp;\u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;3 in the untreated control, whereas Pioneer 30F53R (non-Bt) treated with the insecticide Exalt reduced this damage to 29.75% overall. This was the insecticide with the highest efficacy. 48.5% of Pioneer 32R22YHR plants had damage score\u0026thinsp;\u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;3 in the untreated control, whereas Pioneer 32R22YHR, treated with insecticides Exalt, Pirate, Premio and Avatar were the most effective in controlling FAW, reducing percentage of plants with damage score\u0026thinsp;\u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;3 by up to 31.25%. These were the insecticides with highest efficacy. 41.5% of DKB 290 plants exhibited damage score\u0026thinsp;\u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;3 in the untreated control, whereas DKB 290 treated with the synthetic insecticides did not differ significantly among themselves, reducing the percentage of plants with a damage score\u0026thinsp;\u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;3 by up to 27.75%. 35.5% of Morgan 20A78 plants presented damage score\u0026thinsp;\u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;3 in the untreated control, whereas Morgan 20A78 treated with insecticides Voraz, Exalt, Avatar, Premio and Pirate reduced damage score\u0026thinsp;\u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;3 by up to 24%. These were the insecticides with highest efficacy.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAverage yield of corn hybrids and number of sprays under different insecticide treatments against \u003cem\u003eSpodoptera frugiperda\u003c/em\u003e, for early and late-planted corn of the 2019/2020 growing season.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"10\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c10\" colnum=\"10\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEarly planted\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c10\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLate planted\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMaize hybrid\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eInsecticide\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSpray (n)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYield (Kg/ha)\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSpray (n)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYield (Kg/ha)\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"8\" rowspan=\"9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon Bt (Pioneer 30F53R)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCartugen\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10070\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;336\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eb\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5498\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;307\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ee\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVirControl\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8170\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;335\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ec\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6302\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;118\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ee\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAvatar\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11970\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;154\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ea\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8412\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;410\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eExalt\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11856\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;298\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ea\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12374\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;302\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ea\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePirate\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12008\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;149\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ea\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12259\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;294\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ea\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePremio\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11780\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;178\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ea\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10981\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;213\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eb\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eProclaim\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9880\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;139\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eb\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8082\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;372\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVoraz\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10640\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;93\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eb\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9732\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;410\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ec\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eControl (Without spray)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5890\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;209\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5498\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;449\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ee\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"8\" rowspan=\"9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePioneer 32R22YHR\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCartugen\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5700\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;460\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ec\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7149\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;302\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eb\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVirControl\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5700\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;155\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ec\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5742\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;152\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ec\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAvatar\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7980\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;189\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eb\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7278\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;394\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eb\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eExalt\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8930\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;177\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ea\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8613\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;616\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ea\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePirate\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8835\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;235\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ea\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8613\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;355\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ea\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePremio\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8170\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;130\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eb\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7622\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;280\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eb\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eProclaim\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7600\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;324\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eb\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5742\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;117\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ec\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVoraz\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8360\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;62\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eb\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7622\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;205\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eb\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eControl (Without spray)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5548\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;330\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ec\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5670\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;137\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ec\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"8\" rowspan=\"9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDKB 290\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCartugen\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11456\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;258\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11221\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;281\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eb\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVirControl\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10623\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;484\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ee\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10150\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;304\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ec\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAvatar\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11873\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;380\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ec\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10654\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;475\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ec\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eExalt\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15622\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;387\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ea\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12747\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;239\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ea\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePirate\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13123\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;260\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eb\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12291\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;357\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ea\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePremio\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12081\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;223\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ec\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11488\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;481\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eb\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eProclaim\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12290\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;249\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ec\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9238\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;260\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVoraz\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11456\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;364\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9537\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;422\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eControl (Without spray)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10623\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;829\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ee\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9159\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;201\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"8\" rowspan=\"9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMorgan 20A78\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCartugen\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10833\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;491\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ec\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11031\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;391\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ec\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVirControl\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13659\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;252\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ea\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13878\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;492\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ea\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAvatar\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11068\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;370\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ec\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10480\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;313\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ec\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eExalt\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13659\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;246\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ea\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12881\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;521\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eb\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePirate\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11304\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;402\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ec\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12721\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;639\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eb\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePremio\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12952\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;194\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eb\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11458\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;443\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ec\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eProclaim\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11304\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;128\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ec\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8860\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;306\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVoraz\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12481\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;341\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eb\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11084\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;502\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ec\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eControl (Without spray)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10174\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;577\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ec\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8042\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;223\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePioneer 30F53VYHR\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11374\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;314\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13284\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;223\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBrevant 2401\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11554\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;230\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9288\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;156\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAverage number of Chemical Sprays\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAverage number of Biological Sprays\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"10\"\u003ea: The yield followed by the same letter is not significantly different using the Tukey-Kramer test, P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05.\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn late planted, corn hybrids Pioneer 30F53R, Pioneer 32R22YHR, DKB 290 and Morgan 20A78, presented damage higher than acceptable and greater than in early planted, requiring up to seven insecticide applications to enhance control of FAW (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003eB, C, D, Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e). 69.5% of Pioneer 30F53R (non-Bt) plants presented damage score\u0026thinsp;\u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;3 in the untreated control, whereas Pioneer 30F53R (non-Bt) treated with insecticide Exalt reduced damage score\u0026thinsp;\u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;3 to 20%. This was the insecticide with highest efficacy. 68.5% of Pioneer 32R22YHR plants presented damage score\u0026thinsp;\u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;3 in the untreated control, whereas Pioneer 32R22YHR treated with Exalt, Pirate, Premio, Avatar and Voraz reduced damage score\u0026thinsp;\u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;3 to 15.5%. 57.5% of DKB 290 plants had damage score\u0026thinsp;\u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;3 in the untreated control, whereas DKB 290 treated with insecticides Exalt, Premio, Avatar and Voraz, Pirate reduced damage score\u0026thinsp;\u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;3 to 7%. These insecticides had highest efficacy. 54.75% of Morgan 20A78 plants had damage score\u0026thinsp;\u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;3 in the untreated control, whereas Morgan 20A78 treated with Exalt, Pirate and Voraz, Avatar reduced damage score\u0026thinsp;\u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;3 to 14.5%. These were the insecticides with highest efficacy.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrain yield of early and late planted corn hybrids\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere was a significant interaction among corn hybrids, insecticides and planting dates, influencing corn yield (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e). In the early planted corn, Pioneer 30F53R (non-Bt) sprayed with Avatar (11,970\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;154 kg/ha), Exalt (11,856\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;298 kg/ha), Pirate (12,008\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;149 kg/ha) and Premio (11,780\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;178 kg/ha) had the highest yield, whereas the untreated control had lowest yield (5,890 kg/ha) (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e). Pioneer 32R22YHR sprayed with Exalt (8,930\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;177 kg/ha) and Pirate (8835\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;235 kg/ha) had the highest yield, whereas the untreated control (5,548\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;330 kg/ha) had the lowest yield. The untreated control yields were not significantly different from the treatments Cartugen (5700\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;460 kg/ha) and VirControl (5700\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;155 kg/ha). DKB 290 sprayed with Exalt had the highest yield (15,622\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;387 kg/ha), whereas the untreated control (10,623\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;829 kg/ha) had lowest yield. The untreated control yields were not significantly different from the treatment VirControl (10,623\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;484). Morgan 20A78 sprayed with VirControl (13,659\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;252 kg/ha) and Exalt (13,659\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;246 kg/ha) had the highest yield, whereas the untreated control (10174\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;577 kg/ha) had lowest yield. The untreated control yields were not significantly different from the treatments Cartugen (10,833\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;491 kg/ha), Avatar (11,068\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;370 kg/ha) and Proclaim (11304\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;128 kg/ha).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn late planted corn, Pioneer 30F53R (non-Bt) sprayed with Exalt (12374\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;302 kg/ha) and Pirate (12259\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;294 kg/ha) had the highest yield, whereas Cartugen (5498\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;307 kg/ha), VirControl (6302\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;118 kg/ha) and the untreated control (5498\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;449 kg/ha) had the lowest yield. Pioneer 32R22YHR sprayed with Exalt (8613\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;616 kg/ha) and Pirate (8613\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;355 kg/ha) had the highest yield, whereas the untreated control (5670\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;137 kg/ha), Proclaim (5742\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;117 kg/ha) and VirControl (5742\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;152 kg/ha) had lowest yield. DKB 290 sprayed with Exalt (12,747\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;239 kg/ha) and Pirate (12,291\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;357 kg/ha) had the highest yield, whereas the untreated control (9159\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;201 kg/ha) Proclaim (9238\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;260 kg/ha) and Voraz (9537\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;422 kg/ha) had the lowest yield. Morgan 20A78 sprayed with VirControl (13878\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;492 kg/ha) had the highest yield, whereas the untreated control (8042\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;223 kg/ha) and Proclaim (8860\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;306 kg/ha) had the lowest yield. Finally, both of the hybrids Pioneer 30F53VYHR and Brevant 2401 that expressed Vip proteins had similar yields of 11,374 kg/ha and 11,554 kg/ha in an early planting, and 13,284 kg/ha and 9,288 kg/ha in a late planting, respectively.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis research improves FAW management in corn, demonstrating that synthetic insecticides combined with Bt corn significantly improved FAW control compared to using Bt corn with biologicals. Previous research has shown the efficacy of Bt traits combined with synthetic insecticides in corn. However, a previous overreliance on a narrow suite of management strategies raises the need for other potential avenues for management such as viral control measures complement IPM strategies in southern Brazil.(Muraro et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e) FAW field resistance to hybrids expressing proteins Cry1ab, Cry1F, CryA.105 had been found previously in Brazil, increasing the number of fields exceeding the recommended threshold and requiring insecticide spray.(Burtet et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e, Muraro et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e) In the early planting of this experiment, the number of sprays was similar between hybrids, independent of insecticides, likely because of the low infestation of FAW. However, in the late planting, when pest pressure was high, both Bt and non-Bt corn treated with Baculovirus-based insecticides (Cartugen and VirControl) required more sprays than synthetic insecticides. Conversely, corn hybrids expressing the Vip3Aa20 protein did not require insecticide spraying for FAW. Finally, yield was higher overall in corn treated with synthetic compared to biological insecticides, likely due to the differences in leaf damage from FAW, among treatments.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe number of sprays increased from the first to the second planting date, indicating the necessity of spraying insecticide in Bt corn. In southern Brazil, the population dynamics of FAW throughout the year is not clearly described in the literature because of the diversification of crops grown in the region. Oat, wheat, and rice are cultivated in Argentina and Paraguay, expanding the host range area for different populations of FAW that may migrate to Brazil. However, the population of FAW tends to be higher in late-planted corn.(Mur\u0026uacute;a et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR36\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2006\u003c/span\u003e) In Brazil, this may be explained by the intensification of the agricultural system along with the biology of FAW, since this pest overlaps generations throughout a field season, increasing the pressure on Bt corn used for management.(Omoto et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e) Additionally, previous research has shown that early planted Bt corn requires up to 3 sprays, while late planted corn requires up to 4 sprays, corroborating our results.(Burtet et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e) The increase in sprays to control FAW in our results compared to previous research may indicate lower efficacy of synthetic pesticides, requiring the combination of different modes of action.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn both growing seasons, Pioneer 30F53R (non-Bt) and Pioneer 32R22YHR (Cry1F and Cry1Ab) were less effective to control of FAW and yielded similarly. These technologies were released for commercial use in Brazil beginning in 2007 and 2008.(James 2007, James and International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications 2008, Storer et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR45\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e) However, corn expressing the toxins Cry1Ab and Cry 1F did not provide satisfactory control of FAW due to field-evolved resistance to these toxins(Barcelos and Angelini \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). This has been linked to the widespread adoption of corn hybrids expressing these toxins, without the implementation of refuge areas and has led to cross-resistance.(Diez-Rodr\u0026iacute;guez and Omoto \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2001\u003c/span\u003e, Farias et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e) We noted similar results, as DKB 290 and Morgan 20A78 were control failures against FAW during both crop seasons. In 2017, 2 different populations of FAW showed recessive, complete, and stable resistance to corn expressing Cry 1A.105 and Cry2Ab toxins in south-eastern Brazil.(Orozco-Restrepo et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024 May\u003c/span\u003e 4) Similarly, our results corroborate field-evolved resistance of FAW to corn expressing Cry1A.105 and Cry2Ab toxins in southern Brazil, aligning with previous research where these hybrids exceeded leaf damage threshold.(Burtet et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e) Alternatively, the two hybrids Pioneer 30F53VYHR and Brevant 2401, expressing Vip and Cry toxins, were highly effective to control FAW. Unlike Cry, which is produced during the sporulation stage of \u003cem\u003eB. thurigiensis\u003c/em\u003e, Vip toxins are produced and secreted during the bacterium\u0026rsquo;s vegetative growth stage. As a result, they have a different mode of action than Cry and offer a promising alternative for control.(Estruch et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1996\u003c/span\u003e, Moscardini et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn the first and second crops, DKB 290, Morgan 20A78, Pioneer 32R22YHR required insecticide applications to enhance control of FAW. The biologicals Cartugen (liquid\u0026ndash;concentrated suspension) and VirControl (powder), presented low efficacy to control of FAW independently of the formulation. The low efficacy of viruses might be due to the lack of affinity between baculovirus and FAW strains since there is a variation in the time of mortality depending on isolate tested in corn strain FAW.(Popham et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR41\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e) Moreover, the time of application of a biological insecticide may be important, since these products usually have reduced efficacy when exposed to sunlight and temperatures higher than 20\u003csup\u003eo\u003c/sup\u003eC.(Behle and Popham \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e) Finally, FAW larvae continually injure corn leaves sprayed with viruses. Virus infection in lepidopterans occurs through ingestion of tissue coated or sprayed with virus. However, there is a delay from the time larvae consumes tissue and die by virus infection, allowing them to keep feeding on leaves. Furthermore, in some instances, virus-infected Noctuidae larvae consume more tissue than uninfected larvae.(Subrahmanyam and Ramakrishnan \u003cspan citationid=\"CR46\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1981\u003c/span\u003e)\u003csup\u003e,\u003c/sup\u003e(Vasconcelos et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR47\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2005\u003c/span\u003e) Nonetheless, the use of viruses is becoming common in Brazil to control lepidopterans and these possible explanations should be further investigated to improve IPM and IRM programs in corn. For example, efficacy might increase through the combination of other resources, such as the addition of water in the maize whorl, forcing the larvae to leave the whorl and exposing them to pesticides.(Bialozor et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn these trials, synthetic insecticides performed excellently controlling FAW, whether or not the FAW were resistant or not resistant to Bt toxins. Among the synthetic insecticides, Proclaim had the lowest efficacy against FAW, especially in the second planting, when pest pressure increased. This result supports the evidence of field-evolved resistance of FAW across Brazil to emamectin benzoate (MoA of Proclaim).(Muraro et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e) Moreover, the insecticide Exalt had superior control of FAW in the non-Bt corn hybrid during both crop seasons. Hybrids expressing only Cry toxins (DKB 290, Morgan 20A78, Pioneer 32R22YHR) and sprayed with Exalt, Pirate, Premio, Avatar or Voraz had similar performance controlling FAW that were resistant to Bt corn (Figs.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e and \u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e). Populations of FAW sampled in the RS state, where our study took place, show high susceptibility to spinetoram, chlorfenapyr, chlorantraniliprole and indoxacarb.(Ribeiro \u003cspan citationid=\"CR43\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e, Fernandes et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e, Lira \u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e, Kaiser et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e) The efficacy of these products to protect corn yield against FAW has been showed in field trials with different corn hybrids as well. Spinetoram and chlorfenapyr sprayed on Bt corn (DKB390PRO and 2A620PW) and non-Bt corn (30F53) yielded higher compared to control plots in southern Brazil,(Burtet et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e, Muraro et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e) corroborating our results and explaining the performance of synthetic insecticides in our research. In another Indian corn study, chlorantraniliprole and spinetoram had better control of FAW and higher yield compared to corn treated with Voraz.(Deshmukh et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e Jul 9) Although yield varies among insecticides and hybrids, the use of different insecticide modes of action and Bt toxins must be taken into consideration to avoid loss of technologies used in FAW IPM and IRM.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn conclusion, the high population of FAW later in the season combined with the loss of Bt (Cry toxins) efficacy requires increased control of FAW of corn grown as a second crop. The synthetic insecticides tested in this research were efficient in controlling FAW. Moreover, the low efficacy of \u003cem\u003eBaculovirus spodoptera\u003c/em\u003e (sfMNPV) points out the need to find new strains and other entomopathogens like fungi or Bt sprayed to improve the IPM of FAW.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgments\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe thank the IPM lab at Universidade Federal de Santa Maria for the support on this project.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability of data and material\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRaw data was generated at Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. Data supporting the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon request.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthor\u0026rsquo;s contribution\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTG \u0026ndash; Writing first draft carried out experiments, data collection, analysis, methodology and project management, discussion. ISS,\u003csup\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/sup\u003eCRP \u0026ndash; Major revisions, data analysis and discussion. EMB, GC, HP \u0026ndash; Data collection, methodology, discussion. JVCG, JAA \u0026ndash; Funding, major revisions and supervision.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe research was funded by the Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior (CAPES).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompliance with ethical standards\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConflicts of interest/Competing interests\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare no conflict of interest.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent to participate\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll authors were involved in the study\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent for publication\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll authors agreed to be part of the publication\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAbbas A, Ullah F, Hafeez M, et al. 2022. 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Ithaca, NY: ISAAA (ISAAA briefs).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJaramillo-Barrios CI, Var\u0026oacute;n-Devia EH, Monje-Andrade B, et al. 2020. Economic injury level and action thresholds for Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in maize crops. Revista Facultad Nacional de Agronom\u0026iacute;a Medell\u0026iacute;n. 73(1):9065\u0026ndash;9076. https://doi.org/10.15446/rfnam.v73n1.78824\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKaiser IS, Kanno RH, Bolzan A, et al. 2021. Baseline Response, Monitoring, and Cross-Resistance of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to Sodium Channel Blocker Insecticides in Brazil. Journal of Economic Entomology. 114(2):903\u0026ndash;913. https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toab011\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLira EDC. 2019. Monitoramento e padr\u0026atilde;o de heran\u0026ccedil;a da resist\u0026ecirc;ncia de \u003cem\u003eSpodoptera frugiperda\u003c/em\u003e (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) a spinetoram [Mestrado em Entomologia]. Universidade de S\u0026atilde;o Paulo. https://doi.org/10.11606/D.11.2019.tde-23012019-150921\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMarques LH, Santos AC, Castro BA, et al. 2019. Assessing the Efficacy of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Pyramided Proteins Cry1F, Cry1A.105, Cry2Ab2, and Vip3Aa20 Expressed in Bt Maize Against Lepidopteran Pests in Brazil. Journal of Economic Entomology. 112(2):803\u0026ndash;811. https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toy380\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMatten SR, Head GP, Quemada HD. 2008. How Governmental Regulation Can Help or Hinder the Integration of Bt Crops within IPM Programs. Integration of Insect-Resistant Genetically Modified Crops within IPM Programs. 5:27\u0026ndash;39. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-8373-0_2\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMoscardini VF, Marques LH, Santos AC, et al. 2020. Efficacy of \u003cem\u003eBacillus thuringiensis\u003c/em\u003e (\u003cem\u003eBt\u003c/em\u003e) maize expressing Cry1F, Cry1A.105, Cry2Ab2 and Vip3Aa20 proteins to manage the fall armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Brazil. Crop Protection. 137:105269. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2020.105269\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMuraro DS, Garlet CG, Godoy DN, et al. 2019. Laboratory and field survival of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on Bt and non-Bt maize and its susceptibility to insecticides. Pest Management Science. 75(8):2202\u0026ndash;2210. https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.5347\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMuraro DS, Salmeron E, Cruz JVS, et al. 2022. Evidence of field-evolved resistance in \u003cem\u003eSpodoptera frugiperda\u003c/em\u003e (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to emamectin benzoate in Brazil. Crop Protection. 162:106071. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2022.106071\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMur\u0026uacute;a G, Molina-Ochoa J, Coviella C. 2006. POPULATION DYNAMICS OF THE FALL ARMYWORM, SPODOPTERA FRUGIPERDA (LEPIDOPTERA: NOCTUIDAE) AND ITS PARASITOIDS IN NORTHWESTERN ARGENTINA. flen. 89(2):175\u0026ndash;182. https://doi.org/10.1653/0015-4040(2006)89[175:PDOTFA]2.0.CO;2\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOmoto C, Bernardi O, Salmeron E, et al. 2016. Field-evolved resistance to Cry1Ab maize by Spodoptera frugiperda in Brazil. Pest Management Science. 72(9):1727\u0026ndash;1736. https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.4201\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOrozco-Restrepo SM, Santos-Amaya OF, Miranda M de S, et al. 2024 May 4. Fall armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): practical resistance of 2 Brazilian populations to Cry1A.105 + Cry2Ab and Cry1F Bt maize. Journal of Economic Entomology.:toae082. https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toae082\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePannuti LER, Baldin ELL, Hunt TE, et al. 2016. On-Plant Larval Movement and Feeding Behavior of Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on Reproductive Corn Stages. Environmental Entomology. 45(1):192\u0026ndash;200. https://doi.org/10.1093/ee/nvv159\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eParra JRP. 2023. Biological Control in Brazil: state of art and perspectives. Sci. agric. (Piracicaba, Braz.). 80:e20230080. https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-992X-2023-0080\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePopham HJR, Rowley DL, Harrison RL. 2021. Differential insecticidal properties of Spodoptera frugiperda multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus isolates against corn-strain and rice-strain fall armyworm, and genomic analysis of three isolates. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology. 183:107561. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jip.2021.107561\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRibeiro BSMR, Zanon AJ, Streck NA, et al. 2020. Ecofisiologia do milho visando altas produtividades. Editora GR.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRibeiro RDS. 2014. Monitoramento da suscetibilidade de popula\u0026ccedil;\u0026otilde;es de Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) a inseticidas diamidas no Brasil [Mestrado em Entomologia]. Universidade de S\u0026atilde;o Paulo. https://doi.org/10.11606/D.11.2014.tde-11112014-153823\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSilva LS da. 2016. Manual de calagem e eduba\u0026ccedil;\u0026atilde;o para os estados do Rio Grande do Sul e de Santa Catarina. 11th ed. DR Publicidade.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStorer NP, Kubiszak ME, Ed King J, et al. 2012. Status of resistance to Bt maize in Spodoptera frugiperda: lessons from Puerto Rico. J Invertebr Pathol. 110(3):294\u0026ndash;300. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jip.2012.04.007\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubrahmanyam B, Ramakrishnan N. 1981. Influence of a baculovirus infection on molting and food consumption by \u003cem\u003eSpodoptera litura\u003c/em\u003e. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology. 38(2):161\u0026ndash;168. https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-2011(81)90118-X\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVasconcelos SD, Hails RS, Speight MR, et al. 2005. Differential crop damage by healthy and nucleopolyhedrovirus-infected \u003cem\u003eMamestra brassicae\u003c/em\u003e L. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae: A field examination. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology. 88(2):177\u0026ndash;179. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jip.2005.01.002\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":true,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":true,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"international-journal-of-tropical-insect-science","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"jtis","sideBox":"Learn more about [International Journal of Tropical Insect Science](http://link.springer.com/journal/42690)","snPcode":"42690","submissionUrl":"https://www.editorialmanager.com/jtis/default2.aspx","title":"International Journal of Tropical Insect Science","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"Springer Hybrid","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":false},"keywords":"Baculovirus spodoptera, fall armyworm, Cry toxins, integrated pest management, integrated resistance management","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6498284/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6498284/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eThe fall armyworm (FAW), \u003cem\u003eSpodoptera frugiperda\u003c/em\u003e (J.E. Smith, 1797) is the main defoliating pest of corn (\u003cem\u003eZea mays\u003c/em\u003e L.) in Brazil. Corn expressing proteins of \u003cem\u003eBacillus thuringiensis\u003c/em\u003e (Bt) associated with synthetic insecticides is common to manage FAW. However, FAW evolved field resistance to several insecticides and Bt proteins. In this sense, biological insecticides based on \u003cem\u003eBaculovirus spodoptera\u003c/em\u003e have become a valuable alternative to control FAW. Our goal was to evaluate the control efficacy of FAW with either biological or synthetic insecticides on Bt corn hybrids. Managing FAW in early-planted non-Bt (Pioneer 30F53R) and Bt corn (Pioneer 32R22YHR, DKB 290, Morgan 20A78,) both required up to 4 or 5 synthetic insecticide applications to manage FAW. Late planted Bt corn required 3 to 7 insecticide applications, depending on the insecticide used, while non-Bt corn required 5 to 7 sprays. Independently of planting date, those corn expressing Vip proteins (Brevant 2401, Pioneer 30F53VYHR) did not require any insecticide spray. The application of insecticides is needed to increase the control of FAW in corn hybrids expressing only Cry toxins. Exalt was the best insecticide to manage FAW in early and late planted corn. Despite treatment with biologicals, damage by FAW remained high and likely contributed to a lower yield in comparison to traditional chemical control. Synthetic insecticides had higher efficacy to manage FAW in early and late-planted corn. The application of biologicals to manage FAW should be further investigated in combination with time and spray technology to improve IPM and IRM.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Synthetic or biological insecticide performance on Bt corn to control Spodoptera frugiperda","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-06-17 11:08:20","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6498284/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"decision","content":"Minor revisions","date":"2025-09-07T06:33:46+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"","date":"2025-06-18T15:53:36+00:00","index":0,"fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2025-06-13T09:33:58+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2025-04-25T05:23:06+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"International Journal of Tropical Insect Science","date":"2025-04-23T11:27:49+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"international-journal-of-tropical-insect-science","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"jtis","sideBox":"Learn more about [International Journal of Tropical Insect Science](http://link.springer.com/journal/42690)","snPcode":"42690","submissionUrl":"https://www.editorialmanager.com/jtis/default2.aspx","title":"International Journal of Tropical Insect Science","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"Springer Hybrid","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":false}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"bd257f91-f4f0-460e-991b-444dfc585c72","owner":[],"postedDate":"June 17th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"published-in-journal","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-12-22T16:01:09+00:00","versionOfRecord":{"articleIdentity":"rs-6498284","link":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s42690-025-01691-5","journal":{"identity":"international-journal-of-tropical-insect-science","isVorOnly":false,"title":"International Journal of Tropical Insect Science"},"publishedOn":"2025-12-16 15:57:40","publishedOnDateReadable":"December 16th, 2025"},"versionCreatedAt":"2025-06-17 11:08:20","video":"","vorDoi":"10.1007/s42690-025-01691-5","vorDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s42690-025-01691-5","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-6498284","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-6498284","identity":"rs-6498284","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}