Nontarget Pests

Sure, HERCULEX^® Insect Protection does a great job protecting against damaging insects in corn. But what about any unintended impact on desirable insects and the environment?

In its reregistration evaluation of HERCULEX I Insect Protection, registration of HERCULEX RW Rootworm Protection and HERCULEX XTRA Insect Protection, and all Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) corn products, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that these products do not pose risks to human health or to the environment.

A number of nontarget organisms were tested as part of the registration process for HERCULEX I, HERCULEX^® RW Rootworm Protection and HERCULEX XTRA and no adverse effects were observed. Some of the organisms tested include honeybees, earthworms, lady beetles, springtails and green lacewings.

Of particular recent interest has been the impact of in-plant insect protection traits on monarch butterflies. Again, the EPA found that “scientific evidence demonstrates that Bt corn does not impact monarch butterfly populations.” Further, the EPA also determined that these products have no effects on endangered species.