Thanks to the ongoing work and diligence by Chris DiFonzo, PhD, Michigan State University, corn growers have access to the updated Handy Bt Trait Table.
The table – now in its 22nd year – lists easy-to-use information about all Bt corn hybrids commercially available in the U.S. in a concise, two-page format.
The Table provides corn growers with several benefits. It can help you:
• Understand which hybrids have which traits—including Bt and herbicide-tolerant traits;
• Avoid developing resistance, a result of using the same traits repeatedly, and
• Evaluate insect issues and herbicide needs in-season.
DiFonzo says there are several updates for 2024. In a news release, she notes that companies still refer to original traits (like Herculex I or YieldGard) on field signs, web sites, and seed guides, because single traits are components of newer multi-trait hybrids.
“To finally address this concern, the 2024 table is split,” she says. “I looked at 2024 seed guides from the major seed companies plus many smaller regional providers. If I found a trait package offered in at least one hybrid, from any company, it stayed on the current trait table (page 2).
“Trait packages which were not found as standalone hybrids were moved into a new ‘phased out’ table historical reference,” she adds. “Hopefully, this split addresses any confusion in availability. This is a work in progress; if you see an error in the ‘phased out’ table, send me some evidence and I’ll move that package back into the current table.” DiFonzo says that most Bts in the trait table are unchanged, but Cry34/35Ab1 is now Gpp34Ab1/Tpp35Ab1.
“I kept the old name in the Bt Trait Table for now, since many seed guides and extension materials haven’t caught up to the change,” she says. “But related materials on the Texas A&M website are up to date.”
Here’s a link to the updated Table for 2024: Handy Bt Trait Table for FIELD CORN In addition, DiFonzo provides a “walk through” of how to use the Table here.
