Federal Grant Award Summary

The University of Tennessee received a $749,526 Project Grant award from the Institute of Food Production and Sustainability under the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) (CFDA 10.310) on February 1, 2026, with performance completion targeted for January 31, 2029. The project addresses European Corn Borer (ECB) resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) pesticidal proteins in transgenic corn, which threatens the long-term effectiveness of Bt corn technology and the agricultural benefits it provides to U.S. growers. The University of Tennessee, through its UT AG Research Division, will deliver three primary products: (1) identification of genetic resistance mechanisms that enable ECB populations to survive exposure to multiple Cry proteins, advancing understanding of how field resistance develops and spreads; (2) development of a rapid, DNA-based monitoring tool for detecting resistance genes in ECB populations across different U.S. locations to enable earlier and more efficient detection than current methods; and (3) evaluation of new technologies including peptide synergists and protein formulations designed to improve or restore Cry protein effectiveness against susceptible and resistant ECB populations.

These outputs will support improved resistance management strategies to maintain Bt corn effectiveness for ECB control, reduce widespread resistance risk, and promote sustainable pest management practices. The project also includes workforce development components, training undergraduate and graduate students in modern agricultural and molecular science techniques to build a skilled agricultural workforce in support of AFRI program objectives.