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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Martin EdwardsORCiD
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
Historically, genetically engineered (GE) plants that have incorporated genes conferring insect protection have primarily used Cry proteins derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to achieve their insecticidal phenotype. As a result, regulators have developed a level of familiarity and confidence in reviewing plants incorporating these insecticidal proteins. However, new technologies have been developed that produce GE plants that incorporate pest protection by triggering an RNA interference (RNAi) response or proteins other than Bt Cry proteins. These technologies have new modes of action. Although the overall assessment paradigm for GE plants is robust, there are ongoing discussions about the appropriate tests and measurement endpoints needed to inform non-target arthropod assessment for technologies that have a different mode of action than the Bt Cry proteins. As a result, increasing attention is being paid to the use of sublethal endpoints and their value for environmental risk assessment (ERA). This review focuses on the current status and history of sublethal endpoint use in insect-active GE crops, and evaluates the future use of sublethal endpoints for new and emerging technologies. It builds upon presentations made at the Workshop on Sublethal Endpoints for Non-target Organism Testing for Non-Bt GE Crops (Washington DC, USA, 4–5 March 2019), and the discussions of government, academic and industry scientists convened for the purpose of reviewing the progress and status of sublethal endpoint testing in non-target organisms.
Author(s): Roberts AF, Boeckman CJ, Mühl M, Romeis J, Teem JL, Hercos Valicente FH, Brown JK, Edwards MG, Levine SL, Melnick R, Rodrigues TB, Vélez AM, Zhow X, Hellmich RL
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
Year: 2020
Volume: 8
Print publication date: 09/06/2020
Online publication date: 09/06/2020
Acceptance date: 07/05/2020
Date deposited: 18/06/2020
ISSN (electronic): 2296-4185
Publisher: Frontiers Research Foundation
URL: https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2020.00556
DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00556
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