Bt Research 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 87-95 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/bt 93 abundant compared to insecticide-free control fields. Soil invertebrates, including nematodes, mites, and earthworms, show no significant changes in population abundance and biomass due to Bt crops, although there is considerable variation among different orders. Laboratory studies often predict reduced field abundance of non-target organisms, but these effects are not always realized in field conditions, suggesting that laboratory studies may overestimate ecological risks. Additionally, Bt formulations used for mosquito control, such as Bti, have shown no long-term adverse effects on non-target aquatic invertebrates in various wetland environments. Continued research and monitoring are crucial to fully understand the long-term ecological impacts of Bt crops and formulations. The complexity of ecological interactions and the potential for indirect effects on non-target organisms necessitate ongoing studies. For instance, Bt strains can affect indigenous microorganisms and establish complex relationships with local plants, which may have cascading effects on the ecosystem. Moreover, the potential for Bt crops to alter food webs and nutrient cycles in soil ecosystems highlights the need for comprehensive, multi-level assessments. Long-term monitoring is also essential to detect any delayed or cumulative effects that may not be apparent in short-term studies. Future studies should focus on several key areas to enhance our understanding of the ecological impact of Bt crops on non-target invertebrates conduct long-term field studies to monitor the cumulative and delayed effects of Bt crops on non-target invertebrate populations and community dynamics. Utilize ecological network analysis to understand the biotic interactions and trophic connections within soil and aquatic ecosystems affected by Bt crops. Incorporate multi-trophic level assessments in laboratory and field studies to better predict the ecological risks associated with Bt crops. Expand research to include diverse geographical locations and habitat types to account for environmental variability and its influence on non-target invertebrate responses. Investigate sub-lethal and indirect effects of Bt crops on non-target organisms, including potential changes in behavior, reproduction, and ecosystem services. By addressing these areas, future research can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the ecological impacts of Bt crops and contribute to the development of sustainable agricultural practices. Acknowledgments I would like to thank my supervisor, Professor Jim, for his guidance and support throughout the entire research process. Conflict of Interest Disclosure The author affirms that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. References Belousova M., Malovichko Y., Shikov A., Nizhnikov A., and Antonets K., 2021, Dissecting the environmental consequences of Bacillus thuringiensis Application for Natural Ecosystems, Toxins, 13(5): 355. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins13050355 Bordalo M., Machado A., Campos D., Coelho S., Rodrigues A., Lopes I., and Pestana J., 2021, Responses of benthic macroinvertebrate communities to a Bti-based insecticide in artificial microcosm streams, Environmental Pollution, 282: 117030. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117030 Brühl C., Després L., Frör O., Patil C., Poulin B., Tetreau G., and Allgeier S., 2020, Environmental and socioeconomic effects of mosquito control in Europe using the biocide Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (Bti), The Science of the Total Environment, 724: 137800. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137800 Brunk I., Sobczyk T., and Roth M., 2019, Pest control in German forests: general patterns of biodiversity and possible impacts of Btk, diflubenzuron and lambda-Cyhalothrin on non-target arthropods, birds and bats-a literature review, Journal of Forest and Landscape Research, 4(1): 1-26. https://doi.org/10.13141/jflr.v4i1.1005 Caquet T., Roucaute M., Goff P., and Lagadic L., 2011, Effects of repeated field applications of two formulations of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis on non-target saltmarsh invertebrates in Atlantic coastal wetlands, Ecotoxicology and environmental safety, 74(5): 1122-1130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2011.04.028 Clark B., Phillips T., and Coats J., 2005, Environmental fate and effects of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) proteins from transgenic crops: a review, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 53(12): 4643-4653. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf040442k Dang C., Lu Z., Wang L., Chang X., Wang F., Yao H., Peng Y., Stanley D., and Yè G., 2017, Does Bt rice pose risks to non‐target arthropods? Results of a meta‐analysis in China, Plant Biotechnology Journal, 15: 1047-1053. https://doi.org/10.1111/pbi.12698
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