Field evaluations of corn expressing RNAi-based insect protected trait on non-target organisms

As a fundamental element of Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) of corn expressing RNAi-based trait for rootworm control, phenotypic characteristics and environmental interactions (including non-target arthropods abundance, disease damage, and arthropod-related damage) were evaluated under field conditions.  The study was set up as a randomized complete block design over two years at three to four locations each year.  Thirteen phenotypic and agronomic characteristics were evaluated at each site.  All disease and arthropod assessments were conducted four to five times during the growing season under natural infestation pressure at each site. Results from these assessments demonstrate that corn expressing RNAi-based insect protected trait is comparable to conventional maize in key phenotypic characteristics and environmental interactions:  1) no  increased weediness characteristics; 2) no increased susceptibility or tolerance to specific diseases or arthropods; and 3)no characteristics that would confer an environmental impact compared to conventional maize.