The U.S. Department of Agriculture has officially deregulated a new genetically engineered corn trait designed to combat one of corn growers’ most persistent pests: corn rootworm.
The agency’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced today that Bayer CropScience’s MON 95275 corn has been granted nonregulated status, meaning it can now be grown and moved without federal biotech restrictions.
According to the USDA, the trait was developed to protect against feeding damage from corn rootworm — a pest that continues to cost U.S. producers billions in yield losses and control measures each year.
After reviewing company data, scientific literature, and public comments, APHIS concluded the product is unlikely to pose additional plant pest risk compared to conventional corn. The genetically engineered corn has already been greenlit for use elsewhere, like Brazil and Canada.
Image courtesy of Golden Harvest
MON 95275 stacks multiple modes of action against rootworm, including:
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A double-stranded RNA (RNAi) mechanism targeting essential pest genes
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Two proteins designed to disrupt the insect’s gut
This multi-pronged approach is aimed at improving durability and slowing resistance, a growing concern with existing Bt traits.
The USDA previously noted in its review process that the trait “is unlikely to pose an increased plant pest risk compared to the unmodified corn.”
GMO corn is already the norm in U.S. production. According to federal data, most corn acres are planted with genetically engineered traits, primarily for insect resistance and herbicide tolerance.
Bt corn, in particular, has been widely adopted because it reduces the need for insecticide applications while protecting yield potential. Many of the same proteins used in biotech crops are also utilized in organic production systems as targeted pest controls.
And while much of that corn ultimately ends up in feed rations for livestock, continued innovation in traits remains critical, especially as pests like rootworm adapt.
Producers looking for details on approved biotech traits can access a full list of deregulated and approved GMO crops through the USDA’s biotechnology database.
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