YieldGard® Corn Borer (YGCB) insect-protected corn is genetically improved corn that provides full-plant, full-season protection against European corn borer, southwestern corn borer and southern stalk borer. YGCB technology also suppresses corn earworm, fall armyworm and stalk borer. Insect Resistance Management (IRM) is a requirement when purchasing YGCB corn. Failure to follow the IRM guidelines and properly plant a refuge may result in a loss of access to YGCB. Please do your part to ensure the YGCB technology is preserved by fully cooperating in refuge management.

Download the 2007 IRM brochure here »

Refuge Requirements In The Corn Belt

On each farm, plant up to 80 percent of corn acres with YGCB corn. Plant at least 20 percent of the corn acres to a corn refuge that does not contain a B.t. technology for control of European or southwestern corn borer. The corn refuge can be treated with insecticides only when the level of pest pressure meets or exceeds economic thresholds. Sprayable B.t. insecticides must not be applied to the refuge corn.

Refuge Planting Requirements

• Plant a refuge on every farm – within, adjacent to or near YGCB fields.
• The refuge must be placed within 1/2 mile of the YGCB field (1/4 mile or closer preferred). The refuge must be only corn that does not contain a B.t. technology for control of European or southwestern corn borer.
• Plant the refuge at the same time as YGCB corn.
• Mixing non-B.t. seed with YGCB seed for use in the refuge is not permitted.
• Manage the refuge the same as YGCB corn is managed. Reduced inputs or putting the refuge on marginal land reduces the effectiveness of the refuge.

Refuge Configuration Options

• Plant a corn refuge as large strips or blocks within a YGCB field.
• Plant field perimeters or end rows to a corn refuge.
• Plant a separate corn refuge within 1/2 mile of each B.t. corn field (1/4 mile preferred).
• Split the planter to alternate at least four consecutive rows of corn refuge with YGCB corn.