Bt maize and the soil

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Bt maize that is resistant to the Western corn rootworm (Diabrotica v. virgifera) produces the Bt protein primarily in its roots, since most of the damage is caused by the beetle larvae eating the roots of the maize plants. From 2005 to 2008, several biosafety research projects investigated the ecological impacts of this type of Bt maize. The research findings are now available.

Results

• "Looking at all the results, we can assume that cultivation of this maize does not pose a problem." Interview with Stefan Rauschen (RWTH Aachen University)
• Bt maize and the soil ecosystem. Safety research results

Research info

• Interview with Sabine Eber (RWTH Aachen University): "The focus is on the soil" (12/2005)

 

Bt protein in the soil

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Bt toxin enters the soil through rotting plant remains and root exudates. How much of it enters the soil and how long can it survive there and retain its insecticide effect? Is it bound to soil particles? Does it affect micro-organisms in the soil?

Science live

• Science live: Binding sites and soil horizons. How does Bt protein behave in the soil? (07/2009)

• Bt maize and soil: Hot on the trail of transgenic molecules (07/2008)

• "We found no accumulation at any time." Interview with Christoph Tebbbe, FAL (11/2007)

Research info

• Current project: Effects of Bt maize containing three Bt proteins on micro-organisms in the soil, vTI Braunschweig (2008-2011)

• Current project: Binding of Bt proteins to soil particles, IBT, University of Göttingen (2008-2011)

 

• Waiting for Diabrotica. Current safety research projects (2005 - 2008)

 

Earthworms and woodlice

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Earthworms and woodlice break down dead plant material, so they may also ingest the Bt toxin contained in the leaves, stalks and roots of Bt maize. Various studies have looked at whether this has an adverse effect on them.

Research info

• Current project: Effects of Bt maize containing three Bt proteins on earthworms, RWTH Aachen University (2008-2011)

Results

• Bt maize: No risk to woodlice (10/2006)

• Bt maize has almost no effect on earthworms (09/2006)