MON 863 is agenetically engineered variety of maize produced byMonsanto. It is genetically altered to express a modified version ofCry3Bb1, a delta endotoxin which originates fromBacillus thuringiensis.[1][2] This protects the plant fromcorn rootworm.[2][3] UnlikeMON 810,Bt 11, andBt 176 which each produce a modifiedCry1Ab, MON 863 instead produces a modified Cry3Bb1 toxin and containsnptII, amarker gene forantibiotic resistance.[1][4]
In 2004, Monsanto sought approval in Europe to introduce MON 863. Approval was granted in 2005 for use in feed[5] and in 2006 for use in food.[6] There was controversy over acceptance by regulatory bodies of industry-funded toxicity studies and over the design of those studies led by PrGilles-Éric Séralini, who was on the committee that reviewed MON863 for the French government.[7]
SeeGenetically modified food controversies for details of this controversy, which extended beyond MON 863.
Following legal action by parties including theSwedish Board of Agriculture andGreenpeace, aMünster appeals court ruled that Monsanto would be forced to publicly reveal its research data.[8]
As of 2015, MON 863 is approved for cultivation in three countries: the United States, Japan, and Canada. The corn is approved for use inAustralia,Canada,China, theEuropean Union,Japan,Mexico,New Zealand,Russia,Singapore,South Korea,Taiwan, and theUnited States.[9]
MON863 is a genetically modified corn that expresses a Bt-toxin. This toxin is a modified version of the delta endotoxin Cry3Bb1 which originates from the microorganism Bacillus thuringiensis. The genetic manipulation is aimed at protecting maize plants against a pest called corn rootworm (Diabrotica spp.). MON863 differs from other Bt-corns already placed on the market (MON810, BT11, Bt176), which produce a modified Cry1Ab toxin conferring resistance to a pest called European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis), in that it produces an artificial Cry3Bb1 toxin. In addition to the modified Cry3Bb1 toxin gene MON863 contains an antibiotic resistance marker gene.
MON863 contains an GM antibiotic resistance gene (nptII) against kanamycin and neomycin.