A large-scale field study during 2000-02 determined the effects of
transgenic field corn expressing two Bt-derived lepidopteran-specific
insecticidal proteins, VIP3A and Cry1Ab, on the nontarget invertebrate
community. The abundance and diversity of foliage-dwelling and soil
surface fauna were monitored by visual inspections of plants, pitfall
traps, sticky cards, and litter extractions throughout the growing
season and post-harvest. Aside from anticipated effects on target pest
species, the transgenic hybrid had no significant negative effects on
the invertebrate communities. Some changes in certain taxa did occur but
were indirectly linked to plant-mediated factors and the absence of
feeding injury by target pest species. As expected, communities of
nontarget invertebrates in the insecticide sprayed non-transgenic plots
displayed significant changes in species abundance, diversity, and
trophic interactions.
Keywords: transgenic corn, nontarget effects
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