Evaluating potential impact of Bt eggplants on non-target insects in Bangladesh

This study assessed the impact of BARI Bt Brinjal 4 on non-target arthropods and fruit yield compared to non-Bt varieties BARI Brinjal 5 and BARI Brinjal 6 at Gazipur Agricultural University (GAU), Gazipur. A total of 10,637 arthropods from 10 orders, 36 families, and 45 species were recorded, including 22 pest species. BARI Bt Brinjal 4 exhibited complete resistance to L. orbonalis, while non-Bt variety had higher infestations. Minor pests were also less abundant in Bt eggplants (0.8 ± 0.2b). No significant differences were found in the abundance of 12 predator species, 8 pollinator species, and 3 casual visitor species across varieties. BARI Bt Brinjal 4 yielded significantly higher (27.4 ± 0.37 t/ha) than non-Bt variety, demonstrating its effectiveness in controlling L. orbonalis while preserving ecological balance.