Abstract

The objective of this work was to identify the effect of nitrogen rates on Bt transgenic resistance and damage caused by Spodoptera frugiperda in corn plants at different developmental stages. The experimental design was a randomized complete block in a 3x6 factorial arrangement, with three potassium rates (0, 80, and 160 kg ha^-1 kg of N) and six corn hybrids (20A55Hx, 30A77PW, AG1051, MG652PW, NS90VTPro2, and NS92VTPro), with three replicates. The data were analyzed through the analysis of canonical variables. Nitrogen doses interfere directly with the tolerance and resistance conferred by the Cry proteins of the plants in corn hybrids, altering the control of the caterpillar Spodoptera frugiperda and possibly favoring the breakdown of resistance in low availability. The corn hybrids showed divergent performance regarding proteins under low nitrogen availability (0 and 80 kg ha^-1), and it was impossible to state which would be the most efficient protein. However, pyramiding has greater control under the recommended dose (160 kg ha^-1 of N), with damage in the opposite direction to the transgenics.

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