2011 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) 1) Determine whether Cry34/35Ab1 rootworm Bt corn significantly affects the abundance and diversity of carabid beetle populations;. 2)Determine whether insecticide treated soil significantly affects the abundance and diversity of carabid beetle populations;. 3)Assess the magnitude of the effects of Cry34/35Ab1 Bt corn on carabid beetles relative to the effects of soil insecticides. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) A two year study will investigate possible effects of rootworm Bt (Cry34/35Ab1) corn on carabid beetles. Corn hybrids will include Roundup Ready Cry34/35Ab1 corn, known as Herculex (R) RW [HR-RW], and a non-Bt near isoline [NBt-Iso]. Insecticides would include seed treatments Poncho 1250, Cruiser 250, and tefluthrin applied once at planting. The following treatments will be arranged in a RCB and replicated four times: . 1)HR-RW (no insecticide);. 2)NBt-Iso (check, no insecticide);. 3)HR-RW with Poncho 1250;. 4)NBt-Iso with Poncho 1250;. 5)HR-RW with Cruiser 250 + tefluthrin; and. 6)NBt-Iso with Cruiser 250 + tefluthrin. Pitfall traps will be used to sample beetles ten times over each growing season. 3.Progress Report Maize was planted into large replicated plots, and non-target effects of maize with resistance to rootworm (Bacillus thuringiensis binary proteins Cry34Ab1, Cry35Ab1) on ground beetles was determined. The experiment was completed and the report was provided to the cooperator. The project is related to the objective "Determine the nature and degree of potential impacts of transgenic corn on non-target organisms" of the in-house project (3625-22000-017-00D). Progress of the project was monitored by frequent interactions with the cooperator in the field and via phone calls and email.