Bt-maize (MON 810) effect on the collembolan Folsomia candida – some new aspects

Journal or Publishing Institution: In B. Darvas et al. Eds Abs. GM-plants symposium of IXth ECE

Date of Publication: 08/23/2010

Study: http://www.ecotox.hu/ecotox2/download/gnk/9ECEAbs.pdf

Author(s): Bakonyi, G., Dolezsai, A., and Székács, A.

Article Type: Study

Abstract:

There is a considerable ongoing debate about the environmental effect of the Bt-maize MON 810. Results referring to springtails are based on standard laboratory or field tests. Little effort was made using classical ecotoxicological methods such as dose-response relationships or long-term consequences. To make up for this omission, two series of laboratory experiments were performed. In the first experiment, the Cry1Ab toxin content of the maize was different along a gradient. The springtail F. candida fed more from, and reproduced better on isogenic than Bt-maize. No dose-response was detected. However, the highest concentration tested was only about one-third of the toxin, which is produced by MON 810 in the field. In the second series of experiments F. candida populations were fed continuously on Bt-maize for up to 31 months. Collembolan food consumption, reproduction and food preference did not correlate with the duration of Bt-maize consumption. Nevertheless, differences of these parameters between populations were significant. Populations which preferred isogenic over Bt-maize fed more and reproduced better than those showing no preference.

Keywords: Cry toxins, Bt toxins, Bt corn, Mon810, Bacillus thuringiensis

Citation:

Bakonyi, G., Dolezsai, A., and Székács, A., 2010. Bt-maize (MON 810) effect on the collembolan Folsomia candida – some new aspects In B. Darvas et al. Eds (2010) Abs. GM-plants symposium of IXth ECE, pp. 206.

Category:

• Environmental effects
• Pesticide use

Record ID: 122