The SEARCA Biotechnology Information Center (BIC) recently published two brochures that highlighted the results of studies conducted on Bt corn in the Philippines.
 
In the "Philippines Bt corn and feed safety", Prof. Lydia J. Querubin, university researcher, Institute of Animal Science, University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) investigated the feed safety and feeding value of Bt corn to broilers and its effects on meat quality. Results showed that growth performance and meat quality of broilers fed with Bt corn and non-Bt corn diets are comparable suggesting the safety of Bt corn as feeds. Download the brochure at www.searca.org/~bic/info_kits/btcorn_feed.pdf 

On the other hand, the brochure on "Philippines Bt corn and insect diversity" (www.searca.org/ ~bic/info_kits/btcorn_insectdiv.pdf) presented the results of insect diversity studies on Bt corn fields conducted in Villaluna, Cauayan, Isabela, and Panagan, Tigaon, Camarines Sur. Using the Shannon Index to measure species diversity, Dr. Stephen G. Reyes, assistant professor, Department of Entomology, UPLB, showed that in Bt- & non Bt-corn fields, insect diversity was generally the same. He and co-workers found more beneficial insects in Bt corn fields than in non-Bt corn fields sprayed with chemical insecticides.

Both publications are part of SEARCA BIC's continuing effort to share science- and evidence-based information on agricultural biotechnology.

Copies of the brochures are available upon request at SEARCA BIC, UPLB, College, Laguna or you may contact 049-536-7162(telefax) / 7163(phone); or email at bic@agri.searca.org.

Other informational materials on biotechnology may be downloaded from http://www.searca.org/~bic. (El Bill R. Madrigal, SEARCA-BIC)