Speaker: Eliza Vermillion
Candidate for Bachelor of Science in Biology
Time: 4:40 PM
Place: Trustee Hall 113
Supervisor: Dr. Allan Hook
Title: Monarch Larvae Sensitivity to Bt Corn Pollen

Abstract: Since Bt corn is the second most widely cultivated transgenic crop in the United States, the potential for its adverse effects on non-target organisms needs to be assessed. Recent studies have indicated that as a non-target species, the monarch butterfly, Danaus plexippus, may be susceptible to the detrimental effects induced by pesticides expressed in Bt corn pollen. It is, therefore important to quantify the toxicity of Bt corn pollen to monarchs when they are most vulnerable to exposure and adverse effects. Once toxicity levels are ascertained, they can be compared to the actual exposure concentrations of monarchs to Bt corn products in the field. Such an analysis would yield a more ubiquitous incite on the degree of potential harm that could be imposed on monarch populations. This study compares two research experiments that have opposing conclusions on the latent dangers of Bt toxins. Laura C. Hansen Jesse and John J. Obrycki conducted lab assays that inferred Bt corn has the potential to adversely impact monarchs within Bt cornfields as well as neighboring fields. Richard L. Hellmich et al conducted a similar but more complex study, which led them to conclude the monarch butterfly was not at risk. This report compares and analyzes the two sets of experiments and their conflicting conclusions in order to further assess monarch vulnerability to noxious effects induced by exposure to Bt corn pollen.