Dozens of Bt corn, cotton varieties proposed to be phased out by US EPA

In an effort to stave off above ground insect resistance, the EPA is proposing phasing out many current Bt corn hybrids, as well as some Bt cotton varieties, in the next three-to-five years.

Essentially, all Bt corn hybrids and cotton varieties that don't include Syngenta's Vip3A protein, the lone Bt train on the market without documented insect resistance, are being considered for a national phase-down to a "limited acreage cap" yet to be determined.

The proposal suggests phasing down many common and popular Bt-traited corn products, as well as new rootworm trait package with a unique RNAi mode of action - SmartStax PRO - that hasn't yet been commercialized.

The phase-out plan, found in EPA's recent publication, "EPA Draft Proposal to Address Resistance Risks to Lepidopteran Pests of Bt," is only a proposal for now. EPA is seeking public comment from all stakeholders, including farmers, through Nov. 9, 2020.

To view a list of the product affected click here >>