Ziel
The effects of transgenic, insect-resistant (Bt-) crops on biodiversity of non-target herbivorous insects and their natural enemies, and pollinators will be investigated. Four toxin/crop combinations will be used for testing effects ofinsecticidal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis expressed in the crop plants on associated insects, on different organizational levels. Both in the laboratory and in limited field experiments, effects of transgenic on the biodiversity of the associated insect community will be studied. The mode of action of Bt toxin in beneficial insect will be studied in more detail. Molecular tools consisting oscine micro arrays will be developed for fast and efficient observation of effects, based on changes in gene expression patterns. The project will deliver contributions to a solid scientific foundation for EU policies and regulations for release of transgenic crops, and tools for monitoring effects on biodiversity.