That 20% non-Bt refuge applies whether you are planting YieldGard, Herculex or Agrisure, according to Ohio State University agronomists. However, the rules vary for refuge placement depending on the insect.
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For corn borers, the refuge can be inside, adjacent to or within one-half mile of the Bt.
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For rootworm, the refuge has to be in the same field or adjacent to the Bt field.
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For stacked hybrids, Ohio State recommends a common refuge in or next to the Bt.
Your planting options for the non-Bt refuge are numerous. Adjacent fields can be separated by a ditch or a road. Internal refuges can be a block, a strip alongside the field, or split rows with your corn planter. The stewardship of biotechnology is a priority for researchers and NCGA. For more information, check www.ncga.com/biotechnology/insectMgmtPlan/index.htm.
