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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Ames, Iowa » Corn Insects and Crop Genetics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #139336
Title: MONARCH BUTTERFLIES AND BT CORN POLLEN: PHENOLOGY AND MOVEMENT CONSIDERATIONS

Author
item Hellmich Ii, Richard
item PLEASANTS, JOHN - IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY

Submitted to: Biometeorology International Congress Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/27/2002
Publication Date: 11/1/2002
Citation: HELLMICH II, R.L., PLEASANTS, J.M. MONARCH BUTTERFLIES AND BT CORN POLLEN: PHENOLOGY AND MOVEMENT CONSIDERATIONS. BIOMETEOROLOGY INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS PROCEEDINGS. 2002. P. 244-246.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Proven methods of risk assessment were used by a consortium of scientists to investigate the potential impact of Bt corn pollen on the monarch butterfly. Toxicity of Bt corn pollen and larval exposure to harmful levels of pollen were investigated. Research indicates that the potential risk to monarch butterfly populations from Bt corn pollen is negligible. Toxicity of Bt corn pollen (except pollen from event 176 corn) is low and exposure of monarch larvae to Bt corn pollen also is low. Laboratory and field studies show no acute toxic effects at any pollen density that would be encountered in the field. Other factors mitigating exposure of larvae include the variable and limited overlap between pollen shed and larval activity periods. The approach taken by the consortium has been cited as a model for evaluating potential environmental impacts of transgenic plants.