Bt Protein from GM Corn Does Not Persist in Soil
September 21, 2007| |
There is still a concern that Bt crops may pose risk to natural and agricultural ecosystems through the release of BT proteins. Previous studies regarding the persistence of the BT toxins in soil showed contradictory results. Several studies noted that the Cry1Ab protein released from root exudates of Bt corn persisted in soils for as short as several days to at least several months without losing its insecticidal activity. A new study conducted by scientists from the New York University showed that the Cry3Bb1 protein released in roots of Bt corn does not persist in soil.
The Cry3Bb1 protein, which is usually present in higher concentrations in plant tissues compared to Cry1Ab, may pose greater environmental risks if it is to be present in the soil for a long time. The persistence of the protein was found to be highly dependent on soil type and pH, with rapid degradation of the Bt protein at higher pH. Since the Bt proteins bind to clay materials and humic acid, it is important to consider the soil type when cultivating Bt crops.
Read the abstract at http://www.springerlink.com/content/pm447n1340n136t3/?p=983f4101bc97459596ce768d9dc6407a&pi=5 or the full paper at http://www.springerlink.com/content/pm447n1340n136t3/fulltext.pdf
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