Exposure of butterflies to maize pollen in a protected area

What is it about?

The study investigates the possible exposure of butterflies living nearby cultivated areas to maize pollen which can be deposited on broad leaf weeds where Lepidoptera larvae usually feed.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

The exposure analysis is a preliminary step to environmental risk assessment. In this particular case the concern is that pollen expressing Cry toxins might be unintetionally ingested by non-target organisms. Data clearly show that the receiving environment play an important role in analyzing risk scenarios