Comparison Between GM and Non-GM Maize Shows No Difference in Composition, Agronomic Traits

Genetically modified (GM) maize intended to control rootworm was analyzed and compared to its non-GM counterparts as well as commercial corn. Results showed the GM maize is substantially equivalent to its non-GM counterparts.

The GM maize DP23211 was developed with traits such as rootworm control and tolerance to glufosinate. It underwent a multi-locational field trial in 2018 and was planted in 12 different sites that were selected to represent the major maize planting areas of the United States and Canada. The grain and forage harvested from the field trials underwent evaluation of standard agronomic endpoints and compositional analytes by comparing then with the GM maize's non-GM near-isoline control as well as non-GM commercial maize.

Results showed that agronomic endpoints were statistically significant compared to the control maize, but not biologically relevant after using false discovery rate (FDR) method. Composition analytes were also statistically significant, but analyte values fell within the range of natural variation after adjusting using the FDR method. This concludes that the composition of GM maize DP23211's grain and forage is substantially equivalent to conventional maize. It also supports the results generated from over 25 years of GM crop cultivation which states that no biologically relevant changes in composition have been identified that are associated with the development of a GM plant.

Read the full results of the study in GM Crops and Food.