Laboratory of Applied Physiology of Insects

Implementation of GM maize resistant to insect pests and tolerate non-selective herbicides in the ČR

Assessment of the impact of genetically modified maize on the biotic components of agroecosystem is the purpose of this project. The study is performed with maize MON 88017 that tolerates the herbicide glyphosate and resists the attack by the rootworm. This pest, which was introduced to EU from USA, rapidly spreads and has occupied some of the maize-growing regions of the country. Current methods of its chemical and biological control are not satisfying and GM maize is therefore considered as their alternative, providing that no adverse effects on the non-target organisms are found. Herbicide-tolerant crops dominate the GM crop market but their cultivation in EU has not been allowed so far.