Corn producers accept responsibility to apply appropriate measures for management of resistance by corn borer populations to Bt toxins to ensure extended use of this technology. The research and extension community accept responsibility to provide scientifically based information pertinent to the use of this technology and to transmit this information in a timely and clear manner to the seed industry and to corn producers. Non-Bt corn hybrids for use as refuges in a field should be selected for growth, maturity and yield traits similar to the Bt hybrid used in the remainder of the field. Refuge areas may be planted in blocks on the edges or headlands of fields or in strips across the entire field. When refuge corn is planted in strips across a field a minimum of 6 rows should be planted with non-Bt corn alternating with Bt hybrid across the entire field.
Refuge created by mixing seed in the hopper is ineffective.
The Bt Corn Coalition unanimously agrees that a single, clear and concise message concerning stewardship of Bt technology is essential for all groups and individuals concerned and for public awareness and acceptance.