Concerns over possible environmental effects of transgenic corn hybrids have lead to questions about larval feeding behavior. Studies have shown that pollen from event 176 hybrids, at densities commonly found in cornfields during anthesis, can have negative effects on monarch larvae; however, event 176 hybrids are being phased out. Although other studies show that pollen from other Bt hybrids rarely if ever affect monarch larvae, there has been concern raised that other plant tissues, such as anthers, may poise a potential hazard for monarch larvae. Do larvae avoid leaves with pollen or anthers? Do they choose to feed on areas of the plant with less pollen or fewer anthers? How do different larvae react to foreign objects on leaves? How are larvae selecting where to feed? To begin to answer some of these questions, laboratory tests including choice and non-choice tests were conducted with European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner), and Monarch, Danaus plexippus L., larvae to compare their feeding behavior.
Species 1: Lepidoptera Danaidae Danaus plexippus (Monarch)
Species 2: Lepidoptera Crambidae Ostrinia nubilalis (European corn borer)
Keywords: Non-targets, transgenics
The ESA 2001 Annual Meeting - 2001: An Entomological Odyssey of ESA