Genetically engineered (GE) crops with stacked insecticidal traits expose arthropods to multiple Cry proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). One concern is that the different Cry proteins may interact and lead to unexpected adverse effects on non-target species. Bi- and tri-trophic experiments with SmartStax maize, herbivorous spider mites (Tetranychus urticae), aphids (Rhopalosiphum padi), predatory spiders (Phylloneta impressa), ladybeetles (Harmonia axyridis) and lacewings (Chrysoperla carnea) were conducted. Cry1A.105, Cry1F, Cry3Bb1 and Cry34Ab1 moved in a similar pattern through the arthropod food chain. By contrast, Cry2Ab2 had highest concentrations in maize leaves, but lowest in pollen, and lowest acquisition rates by herbivores and predators. While spider mites contained Cry protein concentrations exceeding the values in leaves (except Cry2Ab2), aphids contained only traces of some Cry protein. Predators contained lower concentrations than their food. Among the different predators, ladybeetle larvae showed higher concentrations than lacewing larvae and juvenile spiders. Acute effects of SmartStax maize on predator survival, development and weight were not observed. The study thus provides evidence that the different Cry proteins do not interact in a way that poses a risk to the investigated non-target species under controlled laboratory conditions.

Agroscope Research Division Agroecology and Environment Reckenholzstrasse 191 Zurich 8046 Switzerland

Department of Ecology College of Natural Resources and Environment South China Agricultural University Guangzhou 510642 People's Republic of China

Faculty of Science University of South Bohemia Branišovská 31 České Budějovice 37005 Czech Republic

Institute of Ecology and Evolution University of Bern Baltzerstrasse 6 Bern 3012 Switzerland

Institute of Entomology Biology Centre CAS Branišovská 31 České Budějovice 37005 Czech Republic

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Cry3Aa Toxin Is Not Suitable to Control Lepidopteran Pest Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.)

Stacked Bt maize and arthropod predators: exposure to insecticidal Cry proteins and potential hazards