GM Maize MON810 Shows No Adverse Effects on Surface-active Springtails

A study published in Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata revealed that genetically modified (GM) maize MON810 expressing Cry1Ab toxin had no negative effects on the number of species, abundances, or species composition of surface-active springtails (Collembola) within the plots.

The researchers studied the abundance and diversity of springtails in the temperate region of Central Europe (Western Slovakia) over three years in 10 plots with GM maize and 10 plots with near-isogenic non-Bt event DK440. In this study, standard fertilizer and herbicide applications were used and a total of 7,945 springtails of nine species were collected.

The study found that maize hybrid did not affect the average number of species, abundances, or community composition of springtails. No significant interactions were also found between maize hybrids and seasonal patterns of springtails. The study concluded that MON810 has no impact on springtail communities.

For more information, read the article from Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata.

See https://www.isaaa.org/kc/cropbiotechupdate/article/default.asp?ID=21205