On the market since 1996, genetically modified plants expressing an insecticidal toxin (Cry toxin stemmed from Bacillus thuringiensis) target several lepidopteran and coleopteran pests. In this study, we assessed the impact of two varieties of Bt maize producing different toxins (Cry1Ab or Cry1Fa, respectively) on the biology of a storage pest: Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyral...

We respond to the Comment of Lang et al. [1] regarding our mathematical model [2] of exposure of non-target Lepidoptera to Bt-maize pollen expressing Cry1Ab within Europe. Lang et al. remark on the degree to which the model was subject to uncertainty. Perry et al. [2] did indeed emphasize precaution: they made four separate decisions to model worst-case scenarios; identified six distinct source...

Background The introduction on the market of genetically modified (GM) foods has raised the question of the assessment of the potential allergenicity of the newly expressed protein (s) and of the whole GM food. We aimed at comparing the immune responses induced in mice after experimental sensitization with the insect resistant GM maize MON810 expressing the Cry1Ab protein vs its conventional co...

pyramiding genes related to grain quality and resistance through marker assisted selection (mas) is an important approach in rice breeding programs. marker-assisted selection can be used for monitoring the presence or absence of these genes in breeding populations and can be combined with conventional breeding approaches. this study is a part of cultivar development program in iran through inte...

So far, the only insect that has evolved resistance in the field to Bacillus thuringiensis toxins is the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella). Documentation and analysis of resistant strains rely on comparisons with laboratory strains that have not been exposed to B. thuringiensis toxins. Previously published reports show considerable variation among laboratories in responses of unselected la...

Adults of the common green lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), are prevalent pollen-consumers in maize fields. They are therefore exposed to insecticidal proteins expressed in the pollen of insect-resistant, genetically engineered maize varieties expressing Cry proteins derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate the...

Nitrogen fixation is one of the most important roles played by soil bacterial communities, as fixation supplies nitrogen to many ecosystems which are often N limited. As impacts on this functional group of bacteria might harm the ecosystem's health and reduce productivity, monitoring that particular group is important. Recently, a field trial with Bt white spruce, which constitutively expresses...