Research on the influence of genetically modified maize on the Coccinellidae fauna

Abstract: We present the results from a field experiment in Borovce, Slovakia, during 2008 and2009 with eight maize hybrids. Three genetically modified hybrids expressing Bacillusthuringiensis insecticidal proteins (MON 8903, MON 88017, and MON 8903 × MON 88017)were included. Coccinellidae abundance was assessed using yellow sticky traps (Pherocone AM).A synecological analysis to reveal the role of each species was conducted, taking into account theabundance, constancy, dominance and ecological significance index. The species with thegreatest ecological significance (W5) was Propylea quatuordecimpunctata. Psyllobora vigintiduopunctatawas considered as accompanying species (W3) in 2008 and as accessory species(W2) in 2009. Coccinella septempunctata was considered as accessory species (W2), and Adaliabipunctata as accidental species (W1) in 2008 and accessory species in 2009. Finally, Chilocorusbipustulatus and Cynegetis impunctata, collected only in 2008, were accidental species (W1).There were no significant differences in the structure and quantity of Coccinellidae among themaize hybrids.