Testbiotech comment on EFSA’s assessment of genetically engineered maize MON 89034 x 1507 x NK603 x DAS-40278-9 and sub-combinations

The GMO Panel assessed the four-event stacked maize MON 89034 x 1507 x NK603 x DAS-40278-9, which is derived from crossing four genetically engineered maize events (EFSA, 2019). The maize contains genes conferring resistance to three herbicides and produces six insecticidal proteins.
• MON 89034 expressing Cry1A.105 and Cry2Ab2 insecticidal proteins;
• 1507 expressing the Cry1F insecticidal protein and phosphinothricin acetyl transferase (PAT) protein for tolerance to glufosinate-containing herbicides;
• NK603 expressing the 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (CP4 EPSPS) and its variant CP4 EPSPS L214P protein
• DAS-40278-9 expressing the aryloxyalkanoate dioxygenase 1 (AAD-1) protein.

Consequently, the stacked maize produces three insecticidal toxins (Cry1A.105, Cry2Ab2 and Cry1F that target lepidoptera insects). Further, the maize is resistant to four groups of complementary of herbicides (glyphosate, glufosinate and quizalofop- and 2,4-D-containing herbicides). Even though Implementing Regulation 503/2003 has been in force since 2014, EFSA has not applied it in this case.