Two genetically modified insect-resistant maize events reduced fumonisinpollution under the stress of Lepidoptera in China

Lin Zhao, Jing Lana, Xiaolei Zhang, Yun Zhang, Cui Huang, Wenqiong Ma, Yingqiu Du, Haiming Zhao, and Bao hai Liu

GM CROPS & FOOD2025, VOL. 16, NO. 1, 329–339

https://doi.org/10.1080/21645698.2025.2488882

ABSTRACT

China is the second largest maize producer and consumer globally. During maize production, Fusarium spp. often gets infected, and mycotoxins like fumonisin contaminate it. Fumonisin has become the mostwidely polluted mycotoxin type in China. Planting genetically modified maize is an economical andeffective approach to reducing fumonisin pollution in products. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of two transgenic events from China, Bt Cry1Ab Ma CM8101 and Bt-Cry1Ab, Cry2Ab, G10evo Ruifeng 8, in reducing fumonisin pollution in maize under the stress of natural and Lepidopteran pests (Ostrinia furnacalis, Mythimna separate, Helicoverpa armigera) in two Chinese sites from 2018 – 2019. The results showed that under the stress of Lepidoptera insects (O. furnacalis and H. armigera), the total amount of fumonisin in Bt maize decreased significantly. Maize with two insect resistant transgenic events reduced fumonisin by over 70%. In years with serious fumonisin pollution, the effects of CM8101 and Ruifeng 8 on reducing pollution were more significant. Bt maize can provide area wide pest management and thus contribute to a progressive phase-down of chemical pesticide use. Genetically modified insecticidal crops can ensure food and nutrition security, contribute to the sustainable intensification of China’s agriculture, and reduce the environmental footprint of food systems.

See https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10.1080/21645698.2025.2488882?needAccess=true

Figure 1. Accumulation of fumonisin in Bt maize and recipient hybrids under natural conditions at 2018–2019.334 L. ZHAO ET AL.