Perspective on the development of stem borer resistance to Bt maize and refuge compliance at the Vaalharts irrigation scheme in South Africa

Bt maize has been grown at the Vaalharts irrigation scheme in South Africa since its first release during 1998. Interest in Bt maize refuge compliance, pest incidence and production practices at Vaalharts were recently stimulated by the first report of field resistance of Busseola fusca (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to Bt maize. Objectives of this study were to evaluate farmer's perceptions of the regulatory aspects guiding the planting of Bt maize and refugia and how the field situation developed between 1998 and 2008. A survey, using a self-administered questionnaire, was conducted amongst 80 farmers at the irrigation scheme. The questionnaire addressed signing of contracts upon purchasing genetically modified (GM) seed, refuge compliance, refuge design and general farming practices. Farmers were also questioned on the perceived benefits and disadvantages of Bt maize and their perceptions of the pest status of B. fusca. The two greatest advantages associated with Bt maize were indicated to be convenient management (88%) and increased productivity (61.3%) while 42.5% indicated that they perceived Bt-technology to be environmental friendly. Initial levels of refuge compliance were low, and even though farmers were obligated to plant a refuge area for each Bt maize field, only 7.7% of farmers planted refuges during 1998. This number increased to 100% during 2008. Eight percent of farmers, however, indicated that they did not plant a refuge field for each Bt maize field, which was justified on the basis of small farm sizes (25 ha). Nearly all farmers (99.8%) allow no spatial separation between the Bt maize field and adjacent refuge area. Farmers preferred to plant the refuge option where 5% of the field area is planted to conventional maize, which is not sprayed with insecticide instead of the 20% refuge area on which insecticide application against the target pest is allowed. In South Africa stewardship programs instituted during the 2008/2009 growing season, involve grower education programs as well as the compulsory signing of contracts between companies and farmers that contractually bind them to comply with refuge requirements accompanied by on-farm inspections. It appears that stem borer resistance to Bt maize in the Vaalharts area resulted from a combination of a late general planting date with consequent increased levels of infestation and variance in time of planting providing a continuous supply of moths.