An environmental risk assessment of maize containing event, DP-Ø51291-2, with activity against corn rootworms (Diabrotica spp.) via expression of the protein, IPD072Aa.

Abstract

Maize event DP-Ø51291-2 expresses the protein, IPD072Aa, which is derived from Pseudomonas chlororaphis, encoded by the ipd072Aa gene, to provide corn rootworm control. An environmental risk assessment was conducted for DP-Ø51291-2 maize which characterized potential exposure and hazard of the IPD072Aa protein to non-target organisms (NTOs). To estimate potential exposure to the IPD072Aa protein, worst-case estimated environmental concentrations (EECs) and refined EECs, where applicable, were calculated. To characterize potential hazard from the IPD072Aa protein, laboratory dietary toxicity studies were conducted with surrogate NTOs representing functional groups selected via problem formulation. Margins of exposure for each surrogate species were determined by comparing hazard and exposure values which indicated negligible potential risk to NTO populations. To add an additional line of evidence, a field assessment was conducted for DP-Ø51291-2 maize as compared to a near isoline control. Overall, no unreasonable adverse effects to NTO populations are anticipated from DP-Ø51291-2 maize cultivation.