Bt MAIZE

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Bt maize is a maize that has been genetically modified to protect it against pest known as borers (Ostrinia nubilalis and Sesamia nonagrioides), thanks to a protein from a natural soil bacterium called Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).

What can transgenic events offer us?

Genetic modification is, in its broadest sense, the use of the genes of a species, or other species more or less related, for the benefit of mankind. These practices have been carried out since the discovery of agriculture.

Technology now allows us to take advantage of a new breakthrough. This technology has created those varieties that are sold under the tag GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms).

There are currently several genetically modified varieties sold. Even varieties with two and three events are being grown at the same time. Semillas Fitó has been selling high-yield varieties with the YieldGard© event since 2004.

What is YieldGard© technology?â?

YieldGard© technology makes the maize varieties resistant to borers.

The plant's strategy to resist attacks from these insects is to produce small quantities of a Bt protein (Cry1Ab). This protein is very effective against the insect, but it is harmless to humans, cattle, the other flora and fauna and other natural enemies of plants. When the borer eats resistant plant tissue, the insect also ingests the Bt protein. Once in the digestive system of the animal, the enzymes themselves activate the protein’s toxic formula causing irreversible damage to the intestine. The larva dies in a few hours.

YieldGard© technology contains a patented event called Mon810. The Mon810 is incorporated into some of the genomes of our maize. The licence to use this technology can be obtained with the purchase of the Semillas Fitó maize varieties that carry the YieldGard logo on the packaging..

How is this technology employed?

Semillas Fitó YieldGard© varieties are grown in the same way as conventional varieties. The farmer will notice that the crop improves, compared to the conventional ones, in the final phase of growth since the plants have suffered less tissue damage. Therefore there will be fewer broken plants.

In order for the technology to remain effective over subsequent years, refuges must be established to prevent the emergence of resistant pests.

The best way to prevent populations of Bt-resistant insects from appearing is to plant conventional maize fields called “refuges" near the Bt maize. The size of the refuge must be at least 20% of the total maize planted on the farm.

The few caterpillars genetically resistant to the protein that survive in a Bt maize field will have to mate with butterflies from neighbouring conventional maize fields. Their offspring will be susceptible to the protein and, therefore, controlled with future sowings of Bt maize.

AThus, Semillas Fitó's mission is to offer farmers our best varieties with the latest available technology, in order to increase the profitability of their farms and reducing the environmental impact.