| Effect on non-target organisms
Concurrent with resistance development is the fear of the adverse effect on non-target organisms. The famous case of monarch butterflies has been followed by several investigations. Such studies show limited influence of Bt and led to a conclusion that Bt corn was not a significant factor in the field death of monarch larvae when compared with other factors like use of pesticides. An analysis of 25 studies similarly revealed no significance of Bt on honeybee survival, which is important for pollination of several crops. Similar influence on soil microbes has not been confirmed by several investigators. Thus, one may like to compare the influence on non-target organisms with those of other prevalent practices. The advantages that accrue from each practice also may be taken into account.
The possibility of transfer of herbicide tolerance to non-target species, wild-types and weeds from transgenic crops has also been considered as it happened with traditionally bred herbicide tolerant crops. This could narrow down the option of certain weed management strategies and utility of certain herbicides. Thus management of herbicide tolerance, e.g. by alternative herbicide usage, may be considered seriously. Wide use of herbicide crops would reduce the weeds some of which serve as habitat or feed to other organisms. However, in a country like India, with multiple cropping patterns and significant uncultivated land area, the effect is likely to be minimal.
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