Biosafety of transgenic crops to non-target organisms. Transgenic cotton has been released for cultivation by the farmers, while transgenic chickpea and pigeonpea are at various stages of development. However, questions have been raised about the bio-safety of transgenic crops to the non-target organisms. Therefore, one of the objectives of our research at ICRISAT is to identify the key non-target organisms in the ecosystem, develop protocols for assessing unintended effects of transgenic crops on non-target organisms, and develop strategies for safe deployment of Bt-transgenic crops. We have standardized techniques for mass rearing of Helicoverpa larval parasitoid, Campoletis chloridae; and the generalist predators, Cheilomenes sexmaculatus, and developed protocols for determining the acute toxicity and chronic effects of transgene products and transgenic plants under laboratory and field conditions. We have also assessed the effects of transgenic crops on the relative abundance of natural enemies and arthropod biodiversity under field conditions, and Bt toxin flow in insect fauna under natural conditions. Studies are in progress on:

• Effect of transgene products ( Bt toxins, protease inhibitors, and lectins) on the survival and development of natural enemies of Helicoverpa .
• Effect of transgenic cotton on the relative abundance and diversity of target and non-target herbivores and their natural enemies under field conditions.
• Movement and effects of Bt toxins through different trophic levels under natural conditions.

For further details contact :HC Sharma