Key Takeaways
- Non-Target Organisms (NTOs) are essential to ecosystem balance according to SynTech, making their evaluation a priority in agricultural biotechnology.
- Regulatory bodies, including the U.S. EPA, assess GMO crops on a case-by-case basis under FIFRA and FFDCA.
- SynTech Research Group specializes in NTO impact studies, offering advanced laboratories and experimental fields.
- The company uses scientific monitoring techniques such as pitfall traps, sticky cards, and visual analysis to study NTOs.
- Beyond NTOs, SynTech also studies degradability, nutritional composition, and biotechnology effectiveness to support sustainable agriculture.
Ensuring Safety and Sustainability in Genetically Modified Crops
The Role of Non-Target Organisms (NTOs) in Agriculture
With the increasing relevance of Non-Target Organisms (NTOs) in agricultural biotechnology, SynTech Research emphasizes the need for comprehensive safety and sustainability assessments of genetically modified (GMO) crops.
NTOs, which include beneficial insects and soil organisms, play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem balance. As biosafety regulations evolve, assessing how new agricultural technologies impact NTO populations is key to ensuring that innovations in agribusiness do not disrupt natural systems.
Regulatory Landscape for GMO Crops
In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) evaluates genetically modified crops under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). This case-by-case assessment helps determine potential risks and ensures compliance with safety standards.
SynTech Research’s Expertise in NTO Studies
Advanced Testing and Data Collection Methods
As demand for independent research on NTO effects in GMO crops grows, SynTech Research Group stands out for its scientific approach and expertise. With certified experimental fields and state-of-the-art laboratories, SynTech employs a range of techniques to study NTO populations, including:
- Pitfall traps for soil-dwelling arthropods.
- Sticky cards and yellow trays for aerial organisms.
- Visual analysis and direct capture using tapping methods.
These techniques allow researchers to compare NTO communities between conventional and GMO crops, offering a data-driven foundation for environmental risk assessments. Once collected, organisms undergo sorting, classification, and identification, followed by ecological and statistical analysis to assess potential impacts.
“The industry is fast evolving, and so are our teams to ensure continued collaboration. This allows our clients to efficiently move forward on seed deregulations. I’m impressed with the attention to detail and the commitment to safety demonstrated by the industry.” — Mariana Krugner, North America Field Testing Manager, SynTech Research Group
Comprehensive Agricultural Research Beyond NTOs
Broader Commitment to Sustainable Agricultural Practices
Beyond NTO assessments, SynTech Research contributes to sustainable agricultural innovation by conducting studies on:
- Residue degradability to assess the environmental longevity of agricultural inputs.
- Nutritional composition of biotech crops compared to conventional varieties.
- Biotechnology effectiveness, ensuring improved agricultural performance.
- Soil microbiota impact, analyzing how modified crops interact with microbial ecosystems.
