Database of non-target invertebrates recorded in field experiments of genetically engineered Bt maize and corresponding non-Bt maize

Authors: MEISSLE, MICHAEL - Agroscope; Naranjo, Steven; ROMEIS, JOERG - Agroscope

Submitted to: BMC Research Notes
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/30/2022
Publication Date: 6/6/2022
Citation: Meissle, M., Naranjo, S.E., Romeis, J. 2022. Database of non-target invertebrates recorded in field experiments of genetically engineered Bt maize and corresponding non-Bt maize. BMC Research Notes. 15. Article 199. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-022-06021-3.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-022-06021-3

Interpretive Summary: Objectives: To assess potential non-target effects of maize genetically modified (GM) to produce insecticidal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), numerous field experiments have been conducted worldwide. Field data are often variable and influenced by uncontrolled factors and meta-analyses can recognize general effects with increased statistical power compared to individual studies. This database represents a comprehensive collection of experimental field data on non-target invertebrates in Bt and non-Bt maize. It was created for a systematic review with the question if growing Bt maize changes abundance or ecological function of non-target animals compared to growing of non-GM maize. Systematic literature searches identified relevant data. Authors were contacted for additional information or raw data if needed and a critical appraisal scheme was developed and applied to each record. Data description: The database contains 7213 records of non-target invertebrate abundance, activity density, or predation or parasitism extracted from 120 publications. Records for individual species and life stages, but also aggregated data are available. Each record represents a comparison of invertebrates in Bt and non-Bt maize and includes means, standard deviations and sample sizes. Additional variables characterize publication details, experimental setup, cultivars, Bt proteins, geographic location, field management, insecticide treatments, sampling details, and taxonomy.

Technical Abstract: Objectives: To assess potential non-target effects of maize genetically modified (GM) to produce insecticidal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), numerous field experiments have been conducted worldwide. Field data are often variable and influenced by uncontrolled factors and meta-analyses can recognize general effects with increased statistical power compared to individual studies. This database represents a comprehensive collection of experimental field data on non-target invertebrates in Bt and non-Bt maize. It was created for a systematic review with the question if growing Bt maize changes abundance or ecological function of non-target animals compared to growing of non-GM maize. Systematic literature searches identified relevant data. Authors were contacted for additional information or raw data if needed and a critical appraisal scheme was developed and applied to each record. Data description: The database contains 7213 records of non-target invertebrate abundance, activity density, or predation or parasitism extracted from 120 publications. Records for individual species and life stages, but also aggregated data are available. Each record represents a comparison of invertebrates in Bt and non-Bt maize and includes means, standard deviations and sample sizes. Additional variables characterize publication details, experimental setup, cultivars, Bt proteins, geographic location, field management, insecticide treatments, sampling details, and taxonomy.