Two genetically modified insect-resistant maize events reduced fumonisin pollution under the stress of Lepidoptera in China

Abstract

China is the second-largest maize producer and consumer globally. During maize production, Fusarium spp. often gets infected, and mycotoxins like fumonisin contaminate it. Fumonisin has become the most widely polluted mycotoxin type in China. Planting genetically – modified maize is an economical and effective approach to reducing fumonisin pollution in products. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of two transgenic events from China, Bt-Cry1Ab-Ma CM8101 and Bt-Cry1Ab, Cry2Ab, G10evo Ruifeng 8, in reducing fumonisin pollution in maize under the stress of natural and Lepidopteran pests (Ostrinia furnacalis, Mythimna separate, Helicoverpa armigera) in two Chinese sites from 2018–2019. The results showed that under the stress of Lepidoptera insects (O. furnacalis and H. armigera), the total amount of fumonisin in Bt maize decreased significantly. Maize with two insect-resistant transgenic events reduced fumonisin by over 70%. In years with serious fumonisin pollution, the effects of CM8101 and Ruifeng 8 on reducing pollution were more significant. Bt maize can provide area-wide pest management and thus contribute to a progressive phase-down of chemical pesticide use. Genetically-modified insecticidal crops can ensure food and nutrition security, contribute to the sustainable intensification of China’s agriculture, and reduce the environmental footprint of food systems.

Keywords

• Bt maize
• fumonisin
• lepidopteran insect
• transgenic events