Foto: Thomas Bøhn

En ny publikasjon fra GenØk gjennomgår hvordan genmodifiserte (GM) planter kan påvirke bekker, elver og vann i nærheten av felt der slike planter vokser. Akvatiske økosystemer har i liten grad blitt studert for effekter på tross av at store mengder plantemateriale – som inneholder en rekke ulike Bt-toksiner og sprøytemidler – vil vaskes ut i disse. Negative effekter er dokumentert på akvatiske insekter og vannlopper. Utviklingen av GM planter går mot bruken av flere Bt-toksiner og sprøytemidler samtidig. Vi vurderer mulige konsekvenser av dette og foreslår retninger for videre forskning på feltet.

Abstract: The term Bt crops collectively refers to crops that have been genetically modified to include a gene (or genes) sourced from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) bacteria. These genes confer the ability to produce proteins toxic to certain insect pests. The interaction between Bt crops and adjacent aquatic ecosystems has received limited attention in research and risk assessment, despite the fact that some Bt crops have been in commercial use for 20 yr. Reports of effects on aquatic organisms such as Daphnia magna, Elliptio complanata, and Chironomus dilutus suggest that some aquatic species may be negatively affected, whereas other reports suggest that the decreased use of insecticides precipitated by Bt crops may benefit aquatic communities. The present study reviews the literature regarding entry routes and exposure pathways by which aquatic organisms may be exposed to Bt crop material, as well as feeding trials and field surveys that have investigated the effects of Bt-expressing plant material on such organisms. The present review also discusses how Bt crop development has moved past single-gene events, toward multigene stacked varieties that often contain herbicide resistance genes in addition to multiple Bt genes, and how their use (in conjunction with co-technology such as glyphosate/Roundup) may impact and interact with aquatic ecosystems. Lastly, suggestions for further research in this field are provided.

Venter, H.J. and Bøhn, T. 2016. Interactions between Bt crops and aquatic ecosystems: A review. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. DOI: 10.1002/etc.3583

For spørsmål eller mer informasjon kontakt:

Thomas Bøhn, Forsker 1, GenØk

thomas@genok.org

mobil 97 00 99 16