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Title: Non-target Risk Assessment for Crops Engineered for Insect Resistance

Author
item Hellmich Ii, Richard
item GORECKA, JULIA - WARSAW AG. UNIV.

Submitted to: Electronic Publication
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/10/2008
Publication Date: 5/1/2008
Citation: Hellmich II, R.L., Gorecka, J. 2008. Non-target Risk Assessment for Crops Engineered for Insect Resistance. Annals of Warsaw University of Life Sciences. 29:8-17.

Interpretive Summary: Genetically engineered (GE) corn (called Bt corn) with resistance to the European corn borer has been commercially available in the United States since 1996. Bt corn has been popular with most U.S. growers because it provides economic advantages and reduces the reliance on chemical insecticides. Even though there are potential benefits to Bt crops, agricultural scientists around the world are scrutinizing these crops to determine whether there are possible negative environmental impacts. This paper focuses on improving methods to evaluate possible non-target effects of GE crops, which should be helpful to scientists in countries that are considering the use of GE crops. This information should be useful to all stakeholders interested in biotech crops and reducing the need for chemical insecticides.

Technical Abstract: Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) maize genetically engineered (GE) for resistance to the European corn borer has been commercially available in the United States since 1996. Bt maize has been popular with most U.S. growers because it provides economic advantages and reduces the reliance on chemical insecticides. Even though there are potential benefits to Bt crops, agricultural scientists around the world are scrutinizing these crops to determine whether there are possible negative environmental impacts. This paper focuses on improving methods to evaluate possible non-target effects of GE crops. Principles of risk assessment are outlined, and then a risk-assessment case study that focuses on the monarch butterfly and Bt-maize pollen is presented. This is followed by an outline of plans to develop, refine, and harmonize laboratory tests to evaluate GE crops, which should be helpful to scientists in countries that are considering the use of GE crops. A core group of harmonized tests to assess non-target effects of genetically modified (GM) plants would foster communication among scientists and regulators and ultimately would contribute to science-based decisions related to the regulation of GE crops.