1 Integrated Pest Management and Genetically Engineered Plants

1. EU directives lay down, that genetically engineered (GE) organisms should neither cause direct nor indirect negative (acute or long-term) effects and pesticide use should be founded on the principles of integrated pest management (IPM). IPM is an important international political goal. 2. Results of field tests and studies on integrated farming and on the agricultural practice in GE organisms have been compiled and comprehensively analysed. 3. Integrated farming positively affects natural control agents while yield reductions are low and economic returns are stable or even increase. The analysis shows that the current agricultural practice in transgenic herbicide and insect resistant crops is largely not in accordance with IPM. Their effects on the natural regulation of pests and biodiversity are often negative. 4. The effects of genetic engineering depend on the way and concept of its application by breeders and on the agricultural practice. Indicators for the evaluation of IPM levels should be used by breeders and regulators for the assessment of new traits and varieties in order to prevent unwanted effects and to encourage more adequate pest management solutions. Key-words: transgenic plants, integrated pest management, genetic engineering, biological control agents, biodiversity, regulatio