The Ecotoxicology of Microbial Insecticides and Their Toxins in Genetically Modified Crops: An Overview

Eduardo C. Oliveira-Filho () and Cesar K. Grisolia
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Eduardo C. Oliveira-Filho: Embrapa Cerrados, Rodovia BR020, Km 18, Planaltina, Brasília 73310-970, DF, Brazil
Cesar K. Grisolia: Departamento de Genética e Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 24, 1-14

Abstract: The use of microbial insecticides and their toxins in biological control and transgenic plants has increased their presence in the environment. Although they are natural products, the main concerns are related to the potential impacts on the environment and human health. Several assays have been performed worldwide to investigate the toxicity or adverse effects of these microbial products or their individual toxins. This overview examines the published data concerning the knowledge obtained about the ecotoxicity and environmental risks of these natural pesticides. The data presented show that many results are difficult to compare due to the diversity of measurement units used in the different research data. Even so, the products and toxins tested present low toxicity and low risk when compared to the concentrations used for pesticide purposes. Complementary studies should be carried out to assess possible effects on human health.

Keywords: biopesticides; ecotoxicity; ecosystems; biological insecticides; transgenic plants; Bacillus thuringiensis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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