Comparison of evaluation methods on the GMO plants' effect on the trophic relations under field conditions.

摘要

This paper reviews methodologies used in field experiment establishment, entomological data collection, and evaluation of the effect of genetically modified crops on various groups of nontarget organisms. The Bt maize, the only GMO crop approved for cultivation in the European Union (EU), is used as a model. Ten years of research conducted by EU scientists on government-supported GMO field experiments showed that only planting large plots and involving specialists of different disciplines could guarantee the collection of data to be accepted for statistical evaluation. Differences in opinions regarding the necessity for establishing semi-field and large field experiments for environmental risk assessment are discussed in detail. The French scientists' approach may meet demands of some Polish scientists. The views of some ecologists and NGO [non-governmental organization] opponents, both in Poland and in other EU countries, to include in the evaluation of an effect of a GM crop on environment all groups of organisms occurring in an agrocenosis is confronted with case-specific experimentation and costs. The methodology of the first field project on the effect of MON 810 maize on some major groups of arthropods starting in the 2008 season in Poland was developed based on the experience and discussions of scientists participating in the IOBC bi-annual international meetings on the "Ecological impact of genetically modified organisms". In addition to the scientific objectives, the project will also provide opportunity for the Polish junior scientists to receive experience in this type of studies on GMO under local conditions.