Effect of the transgenic corn variety H-Ame15 on soil health and implications for food security
Keywords:
corn, genetically modified plants, microbial respiration, earthworms, toxicity testsAbstract
Introduction: Evaluating soil fauna is key to understanding the impact of hybrid corn H-Ame15 on soil health, which is directly related to food quality and safety. Biodiversity degradation alters biogeochemical cycles, compromises crop nutrition, and can affect human health, making it essential to ensure safe food.
Objective: To analyze the effect of hybrid corn H-Ame15 and the insecticidal proteins Cry1Fa and Vip3A on soil bioindicators.
Methods: The assay was developed according to guideline 850.3200. Experimental groups: control (glucose), inactive and active proteins, plant residues from the hybrid and its non-transgenic counterpart, and two groups with earthworms (Eisenia andrei). The effects on the microbial community were assessed by quantifying CO2 on days 5, 28, 35, 42, and 63 (end of the assay). Earthworms were analyzed weekly for mortality and signs of toxicity.
Results: Proteins did not modify CO2 emissions. Hybrid maize showed lower respiration levels than conventional maize (-0.96 mg/g on day 63). The presence of earthworms favored respiratory function: values of 20.22 and 18.54 mg/g for conventional and hybrid maize, respectively. No toxicity was evident in the earthworms.
Conclusion: Hybrid maize H-Ame15 and the proteins it expresses did not cause significant damage to soil health indicators, suggesting that there are no indirect risks to human health associated with its cultivation.
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