ARS | Publication request: BT CORN MONARCH BUTTERFLY: RESEARCH UPDATE

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: December 18, 2000
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Possible risks that Bt corn poses to nontarget insects, such as the monarch butterfly, must be reasonably balanced with the benefits of Bt corn. High-quality research is necessary so that decisions can be based on sound science. The consortium of researchers, industry, and environmental advocacy groups that have been assembled to address concerns related to the emonarch butterfly and Bt corn represents an unparalleled level of cooperation and is indicative of the product stewardship that is essential for the full benefits of the technology to be realized. The results presented are preliminary and still must be peer reviewed and published. Plus, more data from the consortium of scientists must be considered. But, preliminary results suggest that Bt corn (excluding 176 corn) may have little, if any, negative effects on monarch butterflies. The monarch issue has drawn attention to the need for effective communication of risk assessment, particularly to non-scientific audiences.