Insect Resistance Management and Refuge Requirements for Bt Corn

Planting a refuge is required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a condition of Bt corn registration and to preserve usefulness of Bt traits. Refuge corn acres do not contain the Bt trait used in the main planting. An insect resistance management (IRM) plan maintains Bt susceptible insect populations by way of a refuge. The refuge must be planted to 20% of corn acreage on each farm where Bt corn is planted, and there are specific configuration and distance requirements for planting the refuge. Find out answers to frequently asked questions about IRM and refuge requirements for Bt corn and how to meet this requirement on farm.