Bt maize and the ecosystem

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The Bt toxin produced in Bt maize plants is supposed to be effective only against the pests it is designed to control. But is this actually true? Safety research is concerned with the effects that Bt toxin could have on the numerous organisms which come into direct or indirect contact with the maize.

Results

• The maize field ecosystem. Safety research results

• Interview with Ingolf Schuphan (RWTH Aachen University) "Any Bt effects that may exist are extremely minor." (12/2005)

 

Bt maize: New series of field trials 2008 -2011

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In a three-year series of field trials a number of research projects are once again investigating the environmental impacts of genetically modified Bt maize. In one field trial, Bt maize is being grown and compared with various different varieties of conventional maize. GMO Safety is documenting the work on the trial field from sowing to harvest.

Research Info

• New trials series with Bt maize: Comparing different varieties

 

Butterflies and moths

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The European corn borer, the primary target organism of genetically modified Bt maize, is a moth. Does this mean that the Bt toxin produced in the Bt maize plant is harmful to other moth and butterfly species as well? Even if they do not live on the maize field itself, they may come into contact with Bt pollen in the field margins.

Science live

• Bt maize: Pollen diet for caterpillars

Results

• Bt maize and butterflies. Safety research results

Background

• Butterflies and moths barely affected, even with large-scale cultivation of Bt maize

• Bt maize pollen: a threat to nature reserves? (03/2008)

• Bt maize and nature conservation: "Bt maize pollen outside of maize fields does not pose a threat to butterflies." (04/2008)

• Monarch butterflies: A threat to individual caterpillars but not to the population (12/2004)

 

Bees

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Maize plants are not particularly attractive to bees because the flowers do not produce nectar, but they do produce pollen, which bees need to raise their larvae and young bees. Is Bt maize pollen harmful to honeybees?

Sience live

• Bee trial on the maize field: “We are looking at how bee colonies that can gather pollen from only one type of maize develop."

Research info

• Biosafety project: Effects of Bt maize on honeybees, University of Bayreuth (2008-2011)

Background

• Meta-analysis from the US: Bt plants: no evidence that they are harmful to bees (01/2008)

• "Bees use maize pollen only when there are no alternatives" Interview with Hans-Hinrich Kaatz (07/2007)

• Bt maize compatible with bees. Three Swiss studies (11/2006)

 

Spiders, bugs, cicadas, etc.

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A large number of insects and spiders live in the maize field. They ingest the Bt toxin produced in the plants either directly by consuming plant material such as leaves and pollen, or indirectly through their prey. Does this cause them any harm? Safety research is investigating this issue.

Research info

• SiFo project (2005-2008): Effects of the cultivation of Diabrotica-resistant Bt maize on the maize ecosystem II, RWTH Aachen University

Science live

• "We can clearly show varietal differences." Interview with Stefan Rauschen of RWTH Aachen University

• Low yields. Pictures from the maize trial field (08/2007)

Background

• Bt maize residues in rivers and streams. Caddis-flies at risk? (10/2007)

• Lacewings not in danger after all (04/2004)

 

Leaf beetles

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Leaf beetles are related to the Western corn rootworm. Bt maize which controls the Western corn rootworm could also have an adverse effect on species of leaf beetle which are found in and around maize fields.

Research info

• SiFo project (2005-2008): Investigating the secondary effects of Bt maize (Cry3Bb1) on non-target organisms, BBA Darmstadt (since 2008 JKI)