Occurrence and Field Densities of Beetles in the Maize Herb Layer
October 1, 2010| |
Beetles, belonging to Order Coleoptera, are economically important in agricultural systems. Thus, it is essential to include this group of insects as non-target organisms in the Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) of genetically modified Bt crop varieties with insect resistance gene. Stefan Rauschen of RWRH Aachen University, Germany, and colleagues, analyzed the impact of two Bt maize varieties (MON810 and MON88017) on the occurrence and field densities of ladybirds (Family Coccinellidae) and leaf beetles (Family Chrysomelidae), using the data gathered in the six years of field experiments.
Generally, there were few beetles found in the herb layer of the field during growing seasons, but ladybirds and leaf beetles were among the most abundant. Based on their ecological roles, ERA of Bt plants should focus on ladybirds. However, it is recommended to observe these beetles in laboratory conditions to lessen the effects of other variables in the field. On the other hand, leaf beetles are not as important as ladybirds in the ERA because they only serve as secondary pests.
Tha abstract of this study is available at http://www.springerlink.com/content/g4v06t72181w7t48/.
| |
Biotech Updates is a weekly newsletter of ISAAA, a not-for-profit organization. It is distributed for free to over 22,000 subscribers worldwide to inform them about the key developments in biosciences, especially in biotechnology. Your support will help us in our mission to feed the world with knowledge. You can help by donating as little as $10.
-
See more articles:
-
News from Around the World
- "Clive James Speaks" Highlights Growth of Biotech Crops
- Parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to Meet in Aichi-Nagoya
- Experts Commend ISAR's Biotechnology Strategies
- Cowpea Biotech Discussion at the World Cowpea Research Conference
- Disease Threatens to Devastate Global Cocoa Supply
- Researcher Receives $400,000 to Continue Study of GM Plants
- OMAFRA Invests $10 Million in University Research
- Black Aspergilli Species Responsible for Infecting Corn Identified
- Inaugural Biotech Carnival in Malaysia
- Philippine Science Journalists Partner with SEARCA and ISAAA in Science Communication
- Philippines S&T Academy Supports Modern Biotechnology
- Asia Society and IRRI Task Force Outline Strategy to Fight Hunger in Asia
- Turkey Biosafety Law Discussed
- OGTR to Issue License for Release of GM Canola and Indian Mustard for Herbicide and/or Hybrid Breeding System
- Scientists Find Clue to Toughening Vital Plants
- EU Continues to Approve GMOs Amidst Debate on National GMO Bans
- EFSA's Scientific Opinion on Placing on the Market of GM Maize Lines
- EU-JRC Report on Concrete Measures to Avoid Mixing of GM and Conventional Maize
-
Research Highlights
- Genotypic Adaptation of Rice to Lowland Hydrology in West Africa
- Scientists Silence the Expression of Celiac Disease-causing Protein in Bread Wheat
- Occurrence and Field Densities of Beetles in the Maize Herb Layer
-
Announcements
- The 11th Asian Maize Conference
-
Resources
- BSBA's Book on Studies on Environmental Risk Assessment and Economic Impact of GM Crops
- AAEA Publication on GE Crops and U.S. Agricultural Sustainability
-
Read the latest: - Biotech Updates (April 24, 2024)
- Gene Editing Supplement (April 24, 2024)
- Gene Drive Supplement (February 22, 2023)
-
Subscribe to BU: - Share
- Tweet