Adoption of the refuge area and management of insect resistance in Bt maize

Abstract

The recommendation of Bt maize technology is followed by adoption of the refuge areas as a strategy for resistance management of target species. Failure to comply with this recommendation seems to be the main cause of the emergence of resistance in Bt crops. Considering that the refuge and the Bt maize are technological innovations, the objective of this study was to assess the degree of understanding and adoption of this technology by Brazilian farmers. A structured questionnaire was applied to different stakeholders of maize agribusiness in Brazil. Bt maize showed a high degree of adoption among agribusiness professionals, especially among farmers who cultivate large areas. The degree of adoption of the refuge, however, proved to be still low, and an explanation for this was the fact that many farmers still do not know or do not fully understand the real function associated with the planting of refuge areas. It is suggested to carry out works to disseminate this information to the farmers in an attempt to improve the adoption of the refuge and to ensure its efficiency as a strategy for management of insect resistance.