2007 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) The purpose of this agreement is to contribute to a scientific information framework for managing insect resistance to transgenic plants by determining whether remote sensing could be a tool for assessing insect damage in corn. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) This proposal is designed to investigate the feasibility of using remote-sensing technologies to detect and discriminate between cornfields infested with European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis, with those that are not. It is believed that corn hybrids with insect damage have a different spectral signal than corn hybrids that are not damaged. This may or may not be true due to the fact that cornfields are exposed to numerous environmental factors that can influence their spectral reflectance. Variables such as hybrid, moisture level, pest infestation, fertility, ph, etc. can all influence the general health of corn plants. For this reason, remote-sensed data needs to be first investigated as a potential means for detecting pest-induced stresses in crops and, secondly, if detection is possible, validated against field observations to quantify these stresses. If pest-induced stresses can be discriminated from other environmental stresses, and if hybrid plant stresses for Bt and non-Bt corn can be separated, then remote sensing technology could be an important tool to help growers manage European corn borer resistance to Bt corn. 3.Progress Report This report serves to document research conducted under a Specific Cooperative Agreement between ARS and the University of Nebraska to conduct research related to an Interagency Agreement (60-3625-4-0574) with the Environmental Protection Agency (National Risk Management Research Lab, Cincinnati, OH) and USDA-ARS. Additional details of research can be found in the report for the parent CRIS #3625-22000-016-00D, Ecologically-Based Management of Insect Pests of Corn. The purpose of this agreement is to contribute to a scientific information framework for managing insect resistance to transgenic crops. This information can provide enhanced support to the public in its deliberations about the use of transgenic plants. This will include "proof of concept" studies to determine whether remote sensing could be a tool to assess insect damage in corn. The third year of a multi-state (NE, IA, PA, IL), multi-agency (University, EPA, USDA, NASA) project using remote sensing to assess European corn borer injury and Bt corn hybrids was completed. Twelve production fields with either Bt transgenic or non-transgenic corn hybrids were identified near the Haskell Agricultural Laboratory near Concord, NE. Fields had various hybrid configurations. For example, one was Bt and non-Bt in alternating 6 row strips, and one had two Bt hybrids. Five non-Bt fields were selected and infested (artificial infestations, egg masses provided by the USDA-ARS Corn Insects and Crop Genetics Research Unit, Ames, IA) with two replications of two levels of second generation European corn borer on 7/26 and 27. Plant growth was monitored to help target remote sensing flights. Beginning on 9/20, cornstalks were examined in each plot and European corn borer infestation and injury data were recorded. Because of drought, artificial infestation success was variable. Natural European corn borer infestations were very low. Publications: Abstract: Hunt, T. E., R. L. Hellmich, D. D. Calvin, T. W. Sappington, K. Copenhaver, and J. A. Glaser. 2006. Possible role of remote sensing for transgenic crop monitoring. Resumos XXI Congresso Brasileiro de Entomologia, 1221-1, Sociedade Entomologica do Brasil, Recife, Brazil. Presentations: Possible role of remote sensing for transgenic crop monitoring. 2006. Hunt, T. E., R. L. Hellmich, D. D. Calvin, T. W. Sappington, K. Copenhaver, and J. A. Glaser. XXI Congresso Brasileiro de Entomologia, Recife, Brazil. The remote sensing project is monitored with frequent conference calls and numerous emails with project participants. Conference call dates: July 11, 2006 July 20, 2006 August 25, 2006 August 31, 2006 April 4, 2007 April 20, 2007 May 1, 2007 May 9, 2007 June 14, 2007 July 3, 2007 Also, the participants met at meetings listed below: October 23, 2006 (with NCR-148 meeting, State College, PA) December 13, 2006 (with ESA National meeting, Indianapolis, IN) January 31, 2007 (with NC205 regional meeting, Dallas, TX).