A bioassay to evaluate transgenic crop proteins on spined soldier bugs, Podisus maculiventris (Say) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

Efforts have been made to develop standardized testing for transgenic crops. A bioassay using Orius have been attempted, but consistency of results between tests has been lacking. As an Orius replacement, we submit a bioassay using spined soldier bugs as a potential standardized test to evaluate transgenic crop proteins on non-target organisms. Spined soldier bugs are commercially available in the United States and will readily feed through a diet filled parafilm dome.