Insects didn’t overcome Bt resistance in just a few years like some environmentalists predicted. But certain crop pests have developed resistance to multiple Bt traits, especially where corn follows corn. What if there was a way to make these resistant insects susceptible again?
Sound like a pipe dream? Maybe, maybe not. Researchers recently discovered a method to make restoring susceptibility possible. They even demonstrated that it works, but on fruit flies, not corn insects. So, while many questions remain, it is not a far-fetched idea.
The technology that makes it possible is called Gene Drive, or e-Drive for short. Developed by a team at the University of California San Diego, the study outlining how they did it was published in Nature Communications and summarized in UC San Diego Today.
While the science is complex, the result is easy to appreciate. Researchers use gene editing to remove insect-resistant genes in variant insects and replace them with genes susceptible to the pesticide. The fascinating part is that once insects begin returning to their native susceptible state, any trace of the process disappears.
In experiments with fruit flies, it took eight to 10 generations, or about six months, to return the population to 100% native susceptible insects. Mark this technology as one worth watching.
Planter-box seed treatments
Seed treatments continue growing in popularity, seemingly overnight. Here are three new ones for 2025:
BioBoost. BW Fusion of Fort Wayne, Ind., introduces BioBoost seed treatment. Formulations for this biological product are available for both corn and soybeans. Growers who tried it in 2024 claim yield increases. A soy protein-derived seed lubricant carrier in the product eliminates the use of talc and graphite. See bw-fusion.com.
Hopper Throttle MaxStax Soybean. Meristem releases this combination of 16 crop inputs that works in an advanced planter-box seed fluency system. Meristem positions it as an easy-to-use system that replaces traditional liquid soybean seed treatments. The company envisions farmers buying untreated seed and delivering fungicides, insecticides, inoculants, biocontrols and micronutrients through this product. See meristemag.com.
Nimaxxa. UPL Corp. launches this bionematicide for soybeans and corn. It is the first soybean seed treatment containing three unique biological strains. Two strains provide season-long protection against soybean cyst nematode, attacking eggs and juveniles while protecting roots at the same time. The third strain stimulates root growth throughout the season. Learn more at upl-ltd.com.
Taranis adds Ag Assistant
Taranis Intelligence, which is already available, summarizes in-season drone flights of fields by Taranis in a convenient dashboard. Now, the company introduces Ag Assistant to take the concept one step further. Powered by artificial intelligence, Ag Assistant provides a holistic view of what happens in a field for an entire season. It also offers agronomic recommendations and brings your retailer and/or agronomist into the process seamlessly. Besides year-end summaries, Ag Assistant provides insights and recommendations after each drone flight. See taranis.com.
New biofungicide in works
Two European companies, Koppert and Amoeba, are partnering to launch Axpera from Amoeba. This unique product is described as an amoeba lysate-based biofungicide. It still must clear a few hurdles in Europe, but could be in use there by the end of 2025. U.S. approval is expected by mid-2025. Visit koppert.com.