ABSTRACT
The success of the genetic modification of plant species for insect and virus resistance and herbicide tolerance has led to the rapid development of improved commercial varieties for many crops. Insect damage to the plant includes leaf feeding by the first generation; stalk tunneling by the first and second generations; and leaf sheath, collar feeding, and ear damage by the second and third generations. Chemical control is ineffective once the borers have tunneled into the plant because the insect pest is then inaccessible to the chemical. Food, feed, and environmental safety assessments include product characterization consisting of molecular analysis of the inserted deoxyribonucleic acid, protein characterization, and protein expression levels; protein safety evaluation; compositional analysis of food components to establish substantial equivalence to commercial varieties; and environmental assessment to ensure that there will be no deleterious effect on the environment.
