Areal F

Catarino R

Parisey N

Park J

Maize expressing the Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ab toxin (Bt maize) provides a more effective control of corn borersthan the use of insecticides. Yet, the spatial expansion of Bt maize may offer ideal ecological conditions forthe development and spread of secondary pests, i.e. pests not susceptible to the expressed toxin. This paper developsa bio-economic, spatially explicit population model to analyse the spread and economic consequences ofa secondary pest outbreak. Results show that the present use and even an eventual expansion of Bt maize can beeconomically and environmentally advantageous as it would decrease insecticide usage intensity. However, weshow that caution is required when considering its widespread use. If a pest outbreak is not identified and dealtwith at an early stage, it could lead to severe economic impacts even if insecticides are used in combination withthe Bt maize. We further discuss potential policy and subsequent management strategies to address this issue

Spatially explicit economic effects of non-susceptible pests\u27 invasion on <em>Bt </em>maize

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