Non-Target Organisms and Terrestrial Arthropod Biodiversity in the Corn Agroecosystem: Bt Corn Beyond ACB Pest Management [REVIEW ARTICLE]

Authors

• Ireneo L. Lit Jr., Entomology Section, Museum of Natural History and Environmental Biology Division, Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los BañosFollow
• Merdelyn T. Caasi-Lit, Entomology Laboratory, Institute of Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture and Food Science, UPLB
• Kristine O. Abenis, Environmental Biology Division, Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), College (Los Baños), Laguna, Philippines

Publication Date

12-1-2025

Abstract

Assessments of risks of modern biotechnology products to non-target organisms (NTOs) are required before a product can be registered and allowed for commercial production. For Bt-engineered plants, data from such studies become part of environmental risk or impact assessments that are reviewed before a hybrid can be registered and allowed for commercial planting. The approaches and methods vary among countries and researchers. Consequently, the choice of species and groups of organisms or guilds that are monitored or studied may range from narrow to broad and encompassing. The inevitability of adverse changes in agroecosystems, including those that involve the corn crop, brought about by anthropogenic climate change and other factors, calls for more resilient systems. Based on the view that biodiversity ensures or, at least, promotes ecosystem resilience, we reviewed previous studies on NTOs among Bt corn hybrids, vis-à-vis the inherent differences between tropical megadiverse countries like the Philippines and temperate corn cropping systems. We favor a broader view of non-targets and espouse continuous periodic monitoring of NTOs even after hybrids have been registered to better ensure the longer useful life of this beneficial agrotechnological product.

Recommended Citation

Lit, Ireneo L. Jr.; Caasi-Lit, Merdelyn T.; and Abenis, Kristine O. (2025) "Non-Target Organisms and Terrestrial Arthropod Biodiversity in the Corn Agroecosystem: Bt Corn Beyond ACB Pest Management [REVIEW ARTICLE]," The Philippine Agricultural Scientist: Vol. 108: No. 5, Article 2.
Available at: https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/pas/vol108/iss5/2