Hainan University scientists and partners assessed the possible impact of
Bt-maize pollen with Cry1Ab/Cry1Ac fusion on pollen-feeding non-target
species through laboratory feeding assays. The observed species include
ladybird (Propylea japonica), green lacewing (Chrysoperla nipponensis), and
honey bee (Apis mellifera), which are common insects feeding on pollens of
several crops. When they feed on BT crops, they can be directly exposed to
Cry proteins. Thus, these insects are often used in testing the effect of Bt
plants on non-target organisms.



Results of the study showed that pupation rate and male adult fresh weight
of ladybird were significantly increased when exposed to Bt maize pollen but
other life-table parameters such as survival, pre-oviposition period, and
fecundity were not affected. For green lacewing and honey bee, no
significant differences were found in the life-table parameters of those
exposed to non-Bt and Bt maize pollen.

The findings suggest that the three common pollen-feeders are not affected
by Cry1Ab/Cry1Ac protein. Therefore, Bt maize will not pose a risk to these
non-target organisms.

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