Where moderate to high ECB infestations occurred, ear yields for GE sweet corn were high. When ECB infestations were low, little difference among cultivars was seen. Response was positive towards purchase and consumption of GE sweet corn. Pesticide use is a growing concern among consumers. Biotechnology was very low on their list of concerns.
Sweet corn is grown on a commercial basis to a limited extent in southwest North Dakota.
ECB infest corn in varying degrees every year in this part of the state. Depending on the severity, ECB reduces the marketable quantity and quality of the crop. The other purpose of this demonstration was to determine consumer acceptance in southwest North Dakota of GE produce. Two sister cultivars of sweet corn were selected for this demonstration. One cultivar, 'Prime Plus' is a traditionally bred sweet corn.