Abstract
The effect of long-term feeding on Bt-maize by collembolans in the laboratory is virtually unestablished. That is why the aim of the present study was to test whether the reproduction, fecal pellet production or food preference of the collembolan F. candida is affected when fed on Bt-maize for several consecutive generations. The collembolans were fed with Bt-maize for 0, 6, 16 and 22 months and the number of eggs and fecal pellets were determined. The experiment was repeated seven months later with the same populations. Food preference tests were additionally performed. Significant differences were found in food consumption, egg production and food preference between populations in some cases, but no time-response effect was observed. In conclusion, several generations feeding of F. candida on Cry1Ab toxin containing Bt-maize seems not to be harmful to this collembolan species.
Highlights
Animals are known to be highly important regulators of integrating processes such as decomposition, mineralization, nutrient cycling or CO2 production in soil [1]
That is why the objective of the present study was to analyze whether the reproduction, fecal pellet production or food preference of the collembolan F. candida is affected when fed on Bt-maize for several consecutive generations
The main aim of this work was to study whether the reproduction and fecal pellet production of the collembolan F. candida is affected when fed on Bt-maize for several consecutive generations
Summary
Animals are known to be highly important regulators of integrating processes such as decomposition, mineralization, nutrient cycling or CO2 production in soil [1]. Soil fauna makes a major contribution to the sequestration and decomposition of soil organic matter. Possible side-effects of Bt-maize on soil animals may influence the decomposition processes. A part of Bt-proteins in soil absorbs and binds irreversibly to soil particles, to the clay fraction and organic matter and the bound proteins are protected against decomposition by soil microorganisms [3]. Cry1Ab toxin in decomposing Bt-maize biomass has been shown to remain biologically active for three years (the longest time studied) [3], for 7 months [4] and at least 8 months [5]. Long-term presence of the Cry1Ab toxin may have potential side-effects on soil organisms feeding on decomposing Bt-plant material. Collembolans may be exposed to this effect [6]
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