ABSTRACT
In this chapter we consider genetically modified (GM) oilseed rape-honey bee interactions, and some factors that could affect plant attractiveness to bees. We report observations on the foraging behavior of honey bees in situations of choice between GM oilseed rape expressing different genes and untransformed ones. Studies were conducted under controlled, semifield, and field conditions, and no differential behavior was found between GM and control genotypes. To evaluate the risk of direct exposure, we investigated the amounts of gene products expressed in nectar and pollen. In the plant material under test, no transgene proteins were detected, which indicates that the risk of exposure to the proteins is reduced. Differences were found between GM and control genotypes in nectar and floral odor composition. However, it was shown that foragers did not discriminate among the genotypes, and that they could learn the olfactory signals from GM plants as well as from control plants. From these studies, it appears that even though the bees can be exposed to the gene products or subjected to secondary changes in the plant chemistry, these changes do not lead to noticeable modifications in the behavior of the honey bee for the genotypes tested.
