By Joey Pitchford
A new study suggests broad systemic problems play a significant role in disincentivizing corn growers from planting the refuge corn needed to keep pests from becoming resistant to the insect-killing traits in Bt corn. And social science can play a role in addressing this challenge..
Insect-resistant corn, known as Bt corn, is created by genetically modifying corn seeds to produce a bacteria (Bacillus thuringiensis) toxin, which kills common pests like caterpillars or beetles. To prevent these pests from evolving resistance to Bt corn, farmers are required by seed producers to plant a small area of land with “refuge” corn, which does not include the Bt toxin.
However, planting refuge corn is influenced by more than individual grower choice. Economic incentives, seed availability, and how refuge requirements are implemented can all shape decisions. In some cases, growers may perceive refuge corn as carrying greater risk or lower returns, which can discourage its use.
This presents a problem because the refuge system only functions if all the growers in an area participate. Getting growers to do so may require expertise outside of physical and life sciences, said Dominic Reisig, professor and extension specialist at North Carolina State University and co-author of a paper on the study.
“When we think about policies that that impact growers, we need to incorporate people from the social sciences,” Reisig said. “Oftentimes we’re just thinking about the grower, and placing all the responsibility there, instead of looking at the system that creates incentives for them to make the choices that they do. What we’ve found is that social science experts recognize the importance of that system right away, and that’s a valuable perspective to have.”
Source : ncsu.edu