This study was done to develop environmental risk assessments and a biosafety guide for insect-resistant genetically modified rice at a LMO (Living Modified Organism) isolation field. In the LMO quarantine area of Kyungpook National University, the species diversities and population densities of non-target insects found on insect-resistant genetically modified rice (Bt-T) resistant to Cnaphalocrocis medinalis and on non-GM rices (Dongjin-byeo and Ilmi-byeo) were investigated. The Bt-T event was therefore evaluated under field conditions to detect possible impacts on the above ground insects and spiders. The study compared transgenic rice and two non-GM reference rices, Dongjinbyeo and Ilmi-byeo, at Gunwi in Southern Korea in 2016 and 2017. A total of 9,552 individuals from 51 families and 11 orders were collected from the LMO isolation field. In the three types of rice fields, a total of 3,042 individuals from the Bt-T, 3,213 individuals from the Dongjin-byeo, and 3,297 individuals from the Ilmi-byeo were collected, respectively. There was no difference between the population densities of the non-target insect pests, natural enemies and other insects on the Bt-T and non-GM rices. The data of insect species population densities were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA), which not distinguished among the three varieties, GM and non-GM, reference cultivar in all cultivation years. However, PCA results were clearly separated the samples based on the cultivation years. These results suggest that insect species diversities and population densities during plants cultivation are determined by environmental factors (growing condition and seasons) rather than by genetic factors.

형질전환작물(Living Genetically Modified Organism; LMO)은 작물을 소비하는 생물의 문제와 더불어 농업생태계에 어떠한 영향을 미치는 지가 주요 관심사로 부각되고 있다. 다년간 형질전환작물이 재배되었던 지역과 비변형 작물 재배지역의 곤충상을 조사하는 것은 각 재배지역의 환경변화를 간접적으로 알 수 있으며, 이를 통해 환경위해성을 평가할 수 있다. 본 연구에서는 2018년 7월부터 같은 해 9월까지 경상남도 사천에 위치한 벼 재배지에서 내충성유전자 변형벼와 일반벼의 발달시기별 곤충상을 조사하고 종다양도 지수, 종균등도 지수, 종풍부도 및 유사도 분석을 포함한 군집분석을 실시하여 유전자변형작물의 환경 및 생태계 위험도 평가를 위한 기초정보를 제공한다.

Field studies were conducted to assess potential effects of transgenic rice expressing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) CryIAc1 protein, which is highly effective the rice leafroller, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis, on the rice insect community in 2007 and 2008. Insects were sampled in non-Bt and Bt rice plots with a sweep net and a suction devise. A total of 64,256 individuals in 45 families and 11 orders (30,860 individuals in 43 families and 11 orders in the Bt-rice plots, and 33,396 individuals in 40 families and 11 order in the non-Bt rice plots) were captured and grouped by ecological functional guilds. Species diversity and richness were not significantly different between Bt-rice and non-Bt rice plots. The seasonal pattern of the insect community and the seasonal population fluctuation of insects were very similar between two plots. Collectively, the rice insect community was not influenced by the Bt-rice in the present study.

Genetically modified (GM) crops have been developed worldwide through the recombinant DNA technology and commercialized by global agricultural companies. Until now, GM crops have not been cultivated commercially in Korea. Commercialization of GM crops requires a compulsory assessment of environmental risk associated with the release of GM crops. This study was conducted to evaluate the frequency of pollen mediated gene flow from Bt transgenic rice (Agb0101) to japonica non-GM rice (Nakdongbyeo), indica non-GM rice (IR36), and weedy rice (R55). A total of 729,917, 596,318 and 230,635 seeds were collected from Nakdongbyeo, IR36, and R55, respectively, which were planted around Agb0101. Selection of the hybrids was determined by repeated spraying of herbicide and Cry1Ac1 immunostrip assay. Finally, the hybrids were confirmed by PCR analysis using specific primer. The hybrids were found in all non-GM rice and out-crossing ranged from 0.0005% at IR36 to 0.0027% at Nakdongbyeo. All of hybrids were located within 1.2 m distance from the Agb0101 rice plot. The meteorological elements including rainfall and temperature during rice flowering time were found to be important factors to determine rice out-crossing rate. Consideration should be taken for many factors like the meteorological elements of field and physiological condition of crop to set up the safety management guideline to prevention of GM crops gene flow.