For folks growing continuous corn, western corn rootworm is a serious pest that needs regular attention.

A large body of literature has shown that genetically-modified plants that produce proteins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to protect themselves from insect pests have little to no effect on a wide range of nontarget insects. However, concerns about Bt crops still exist.

Populations of European corn borer (ECB), a major corn crop pest, have declined significantly in the eastern United States, according to Penn State researchers. The decline suggests that the use of genetically modified, ECB-resistant corn hybrids an expensive, yet effective, solution that has been widely adopted by farmers may now be unnecessary in some areas.

On Aug. 16th, at University of Illinois' Agronomy Day, entomology professor Mike Gray reported that he had confirmed resistance to Cry3Bb1 in two corn rootworm populations collected in northwestern Illinois in Henry and Whiteside counties in August 2011.