Non-target organisms on Bt corn MON89034 and MON89034/NK603: Part I. Abundance and diversity of canopy- and ground surface-dwelling arthropods in regulated field trial sites during dry season in Luzon and Mindanao, Philippines

Issue Date

10-2011

Abstract

The effects of two new transgenic corn hybrids,MON89034/NK603 and MON89034 on the communities of non-target organisms (NTOs), specifically arthropods were studied during the dry season from January to May 2009. The regulated field trial sites were located in Luzon (Ilagan, Isabela and Sta. Maria, Pangasinan) and Mindanao (Tupi, South Cotabato). The test materials consisted of DK818 corn hybrid with MON89034 and MON89034/NK603 traits, and its unprotected and insecticide-protected conventional forms. Abundance (based on total counts) and species diversity were assessed across four test materials in three replicates arranged in a randomized complete block design. Arthropods were sampled with sweep net, net-bagging/vacuum sampling, pitfall trapping, sugar- and protein-baiting, and visual counts. Results revealed that treatments did not differ in terms of presence or absence of NTOs. The highest total number of NTOs was observed in Isabela while the lowest was in South Cotabato. Abundance and diversity for both canopy- and ground surface-dwelling NTOs did not differ significantly across treatments and sites. Among sampling periods, abundance of canopy-dwellers were not significantly different at 25 and 60 DAP but had significant difference at 85 DAP. However, the differences among treatments were not consistent across sites. Abundance of ground surface-dwellers did not differ significantly across sites and sampling dates. Based on Shannon diversity index (H), the site in South Cotabato had the most diverse NTOs. Diversity indices among canopy- and ground surface-dwellers were not significantly different across treatments and sites, except in Pangasinan wherein MON89034/NK603 plots showed the highest diversity. Overall, there were no clear statistically significant differences obtained among the treatments across sites in terms of abundance and diversity. Hence, it can be concluded that based on the data gathered, the new transgenic traits have no significant positive or negative effects on non-target organisms. However, this has to be corroborated with an assessment of possible effects on functional guilds.

Source or Periodical Title

The Philippine Entomologist

ISSN

0048-3753

Volume

25

Issue

2

Page

131-155

Document Type

Article

Frequency

semi-annually

Physical Description

tables, graphs

Language

English

En – AGROVOC descriptors

OSTRINIA FURNACALIS; ARTHROPODA; TRANSGENIC PLANTS; ABUNDANCE; BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS; BIOLOGICAL CONTROL AGENTS; PHILIPPINES

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