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Background <p>The fate and effect of Bt toxin have always been an ecological concern in agricultural soil due to widespread cultivation of genetically modified <i>Bacillus thuringiensis</i> (Bt). The Cry1Ac toxin, released from the Bt cotton plant, enters the soil ecosystem primarily through post-harvest plant residues and root exudates, where it may persist and interact with non-target soil organisms. Earthworms, particularly <i>Eisenia fetida</i>, are ubiquitous soil organisms that ingest organic residues and are widely used as bioindicators of soil ecotoxicity. The aim of this study is to assess the changes occurring in earthworms in response to different concentrations of the Cry1Ac toxin in vermicompost due to the addition of Bt-cotton crop residues under controlled laboratory conditions. Changes in growth rates and phosphatase enzyme activity were also monitored at regular intervals. Regimen In vitro research has provided insight into the effects on earthworms of the mulching transgenic crop residues in vermicompost. In this study, the effects of amending substrate (the diet of <i>E. fetida</i>) with transgenic cotton crop residues on the phosphatase enzyme of <i>E. fetida</i> are quantified as key biochemical biomarkers reflecting metabolic status, cellular turnover, and nutrient mineralization processes in earthworms.</p> Results <p>Exposure to the Cry1Ac toxin at the given concentration did not significantly affect the growth rate or the activities of acid and alkaline phosphatases.</p> Conclusion <p>The findings of this study contribute to understanding the ecological implications of the potential ecological implications of Bt cotton cultivation on non-target soil fauna. Through amalgamation of growth and enzymatic biomarkers, the research provides valuable insights into the sub-lethal concentrations impact of Cry1Ac toxin on earthworm species. Such explorations are crucial for establishing sustainable agricultural practices vis-à-vis ensuring the ecological safety of Bt-transgenic crops. Though the results showed minimal short-term risk to <i>E. fetida</i>, the ecological safety of integrating Bt-cotton residues into sustainable soil management techniques, however remains a question and relies on long-term and field-based research to assess sub-lethal and cumulative impacts.</p>

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Growth and phosphatase activity in Eisenia fetida exposed to Cry1Ac toxin from Bt cotton residues

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月3日

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  • R. Mishra,
  • D. K. Singh

摘要

Background

The fate and effect of Bt toxin have always been an ecological concern in agricultural soil due to widespread cultivation of genetically modified Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). The Cry1Ac toxin, released from the Bt cotton plant, enters the soil ecosystem primarily through post-harvest plant residues and root exudates, where it may persist and interact with non-target soil organisms. Earthworms, particularly Eisenia fetida, are ubiquitous soil organisms that ingest organic residues and are widely used as bioindicators of soil ecotoxicity. The aim of this study is to assess the changes occurring in earthworms in response to different concentrations of the Cry1Ac toxin in vermicompost due to the addition of Bt-cotton crop residues under controlled laboratory conditions. Changes in growth rates and phosphatase enzyme activity were also monitored at regular intervals. Regimen In vitro research has provided insight into the effects on earthworms of the mulching transgenic crop residues in vermicompost. In this study, the effects of amending substrate (the diet of E. fetida) with transgenic cotton crop residues on the phosphatase enzyme of E. fetida are quantified as key biochemical biomarkers reflecting metabolic status, cellular turnover, and nutrient mineralization processes in earthworms.

Results

Exposure to the Cry1Ac toxin at the given concentration did not significantly affect the growth rate or the activities of acid and alkaline phosphatases.

Conclusion

The findings of this study contribute to understanding the ecological implications of the potential ecological implications of Bt cotton cultivation on non-target soil fauna. Through amalgamation of growth and enzymatic biomarkers, the research provides valuable insights into the sub-lethal concentrations impact of Cry1Ac toxin on earthworm species. Such explorations are crucial for establishing sustainable agricultural practices vis-à-vis ensuring the ecological safety of Bt-transgenic crops. Though the results showed minimal short-term risk to E. fetida, the ecological safety of integrating Bt-cotton residues into sustainable soil management techniques, however remains a question and relies on long-term and field-based research to assess sub-lethal and cumulative impacts.