The uptake of insecticidal Cry1Ab from genetically engineered (GE) maize, via herbivore Rhopalosiphum padi, to a predator Harmonia axyridis and its potential intergenerational transfer were investigated. Cry1Ab concentration was found to be 400-fold lower in R. padi compared to GE maize, and more than two-fold lower in H. axyridis. For 62% of H. axyridis samples, Cry1Ab was under the limit of detection (LOD), for another 13% were under the limit of quantification (LOQ). The concentration of Cry1Ab was similar between H. axyridis exposed short-term and long-term with the exception of adults after long-term. There was no correlation between Cry1Ab in females and eggs and neonates. The performance of H. axyridis was comparable between Cry1Ab and control. Histological investigation did not show any pathological changes in the digestive and reproductive systems. The detected route of exposure is unlikely to be important for functional biological control by H. axyridis in agroecosystem.
- MeSH
- bakteriální proteiny genetika metabolismus MeSH
- brouci * metabolismus MeSH
- endotoxiny * MeSH
- geneticky modifikované rostliny metabolismus MeSH
- hemolyziny genetika metabolismus MeSH
- kukuřice setá genetika metabolismus MeSH
- larva metabolismus MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- novorozenec MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- novorozenec MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Carabids (Coleoptera: Carabidae) seem to be suitable bioindicators of the environmental impacts of novel agrotechnologies, including deployment of the genetically engineered (GE) crops. In this article, we describe our effort to employ carabids in the environmental risk assessment (ERA). GE maize MON88017, its near-isogenic hybrid nontreated or treated with the soil insecticide chlorpyrifos, and two reference hybrids were used to compare three different ways how to utilize carabids in ERA. The analysis of abundance of all captured carabids or of the most abundant carabid species did not disclose any differences between the treatments. The analysis based on the categories of functional traits revealed distinct features of some treatments and proved suitable for ERA because it permitted field data transportability in spite of different species compositions. Our results indicate that GE maize has no detrimental environmental effect. On the other hand, we found significant trends toward lower abundance and lower species number (including analysis of all carabid species together) in plots treated with the insecticide, and some tendencies to higher abundance and higher species number in plots sown with the reference hybrid PR38N86. Using functional group indicators allows identification of unintended changes in ecological functions of agroecosystem and comparability across geographies. We recommend data evaluation at the level of the categories of functional traits in ERA of GE crops and other agricultural practices.
Genetically engineered (GE) crops with stacked insecticidal traits expose arthropods to multiple Cry proteins fromBacillus 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.
- MeSH
- Bacillus thuringiensis MeSH
- bakteriální proteiny genetika MeSH
- členovci * MeSH
- endotoxiny genetika MeSH
- geneticky modifikované rostliny genetika MeSH
- hemolyziny genetika MeSH
- kukuřice setá genetika MeSH
- larva MeSH
- potravní řetězec * MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Post-market environmental monitoring (PMEM) of genetically modified (GM) crops is required by EU legislation and has been a subject of debate for many years; however, no consensus on the methodology to be used has been reached. We explored the suitability of carabid beetles as surrogates for the detection of unintended effects of GM crops in general PMEM surveillance. Our study combines data on carabid communities from five maize field trials in Central Europe. Altogether, 86 species and 58,304 individuals were collected. Modeling based on the gradual elimination of the least abundant species, or of the fewest categories of functional traits, showed that a trait-based analysis of the most common species may be suitable for PMEM. Species represented by fewer than 230 individuals (all localities combined) should be excluded and species with an abundance higher than 600 should be preserved for statistical analyses. Sixteen species, representing 15 categories of functional traits fulfill these criteria, are typical dominant inhabitants of agroecocoenoses in Central Europe, are easy to determine, and their functional classification is well known. The effect of sampling year is negligible when at least four samples are collected during maize development beginning from 1 April. The recommended methodology fulfills PMEM requirements, including applicability to large-scale use. However, suggested thresholds of carabid comparability should be verified before definitive conclusions are drawn.
- MeSH
- biodiverzita MeSH
- brouci * klasifikace MeSH
- geneticky modifikované rostliny * MeSH
- hustota populace MeSH
- kukuřice setá genetika MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Evropa MeSH
The Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, has developed resistance to most registered pesticides and has become one of the most difficult insect pests to control. Development of new biopesticides targeting this pest might solve the resistance problem and contribute to sustainable crop production. Laboratory experiments were conducted to assess the efficacy of Isaria fumosorosea (syn. Paecilomyces fumosoroseus) strain CCM 8367 against L. decemlineata when applied alone or combined with the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema feltiae. The last-instar larvae of the Colorado potato beetle showed the highest susceptibility to I. fumosorosea followed by pre-pupae and pupae. The median lethal concentration (LC50) was estimated to be 1.03×106 blastospores/ml. The strain CCM 8367 was more virulent, causing 92.6% mortality of larvae (LT50 = 5.0 days) compared to the reference strain Apopka 97, which caused 54.5% mortality (LT50 = 7.0 days). The combined application of the fungus with the nematodes increased the mortality up to 98.0%. The best results were obtained when S. feltiae was applied simultaneously with I. fumosorosea (LT50 = 2.0 days); later application negatively affected both the penetration rate and the development of the nematodes. We can conclude that the strain CCM 8367 of I. fumosorosea is a prospective biocontrol agent against immature stages of L. decemlineata. For higher efficacy, application together with an entomopathogenic nematode is recommended.
- MeSH
- biologická kontrola škůdců * MeSH
- biologická ochrana MeSH
- biotest MeSH
- brouci růst a vývoj mikrobiologie MeSH
- hlístice MeSH
- Hypocreales * MeSH
- larva mikrobiologie MeSH
- multivariační analýza MeSH
- Paecilomyces * MeSH
- Rhabditida * MeSH
- teplota MeSH
- virulence MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
Transgenic maize MON88017, expressing the Cry3Bb1 toxin from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt maize), confers resistance to corn rootworms (Diabrotica spp.) and provides tolerance to the herbicide glyphosate. However, prior to commercialization, substantial assessment of potential effects on non-target organisms within agroecosystems is required. The MON88017 event was therefore evaluated under field conditions in Southern Bohemia in 2009-2011, to detect possible impacts on the above-ground arthropod species. The study compared MON88017, its near-isogenic non-Bt hybrid DK315 (treated or not treated with the soil insecticide Dursban 10G) and two non-Bt reference hybrids (KIPOUS and PR38N86). Each hybrid was grown on five 0.5 ha plots distributed in a 14-ha field with a Latin square design. Semiquantitative ELISA was used to verify Cry3Bb1 toxin levels in the Bt maize. The species spectrum of non-target invertebrates changed during seasons and was affected by weather conditions. The thrips Frankliniella occidentalis was the most abundant species in all three successive years. The next most common species were aphids Rhopalosiphum padi and Metopolophium dirhodum. Frequently observed predators included Orius spp. and several species within the Coccinellidae. Throughout the three-year study, analysis of variance indicated some significant differences (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that the abundance and diversity of plant dwelling insects was similar in maize with the same genetic background, for both Bt (MON88017) and non-Bt (DK315) untreated or insecticide treated. KIPOUS and PR38N86 showed some differences in species abundance relative to the Bt maize and its near-isogenic hybrid. However, the effect of management regime on arthropod community was insignificant and accounted only for a negligible portion of the variability.
- MeSH
- biologická kontrola škůdců * MeSH
- brouci fyziologie MeSH
- endotoxiny metabolismus MeSH
- genetické inženýrství * MeSH
- geneticky modifikované rostliny genetika metabolismus mikrobiologie MeSH
- hodnocení rizik MeSH
- insekticidy farmakologie MeSH
- kukuřice setá genetika metabolismus mikrobiologie MeSH
- rezistence k insekticidům * MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
Several recombinant derivatives of serine protease inhibitor called silk protease inhibitor 2 (SPI2), which is a silk component in Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera, Insecta), were prepared in the expression vector Pichia pastoris. Both the native and the recombinant protease inhibitors were highly active against subtilisin and proteinase K. The synthetic SPI2 gene with Ala codon in the P1 position was fused with mGFP-5 to facilitate detection of the transgene and its protein product. A construct of the fusion gene with plant regulatory elements (promoter 35S and terminator OCS) was inserted into the binary vector pRD400. The final construct was introduced into Agrobacterium tumefaciens that was then used for genetic transformation of the potato variety Velox. The transgene expression was monitored with the aid of ELISA employing polyclonal antibody against natural SPI2. In vitro tests showed increased resistance to the late blight Phytophthora infestans in several transformed lines. No effect was seen on the growth, mortality, life span or reproduction of Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera, Insecta) caterpillars, while feeding on transformed potato plants expressing the fusion protein, indicating that the transformed potatoes may be harmless to non-target organisms.
- MeSH
- exprese genu MeSH
- extracelulární prostor enzymologie MeSH
- genetické inženýrství škodlivé účinky metody MeSH
- geneticky modifikované rostliny MeSH
- hmyzí proteiny genetika MeSH
- Lepidoptera genetika MeSH
- nemoci rostlin parazitologie MeSH
- odolnost vůči nemocem genetika MeSH
- Phytophthora infestans fyziologie MeSH
- Pichia genetika MeSH
- Solanum tuberosum cytologie genetika imunologie parazitologie MeSH
- Spodoptera MeSH
- subtilisin antagonisté a inhibitory metabolismus MeSH
- transformace genetická MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
