Use of species sensitivity distributions to characterize hazard for insecticidal traits

Species sensitivity distributions (SSDs) have a long history of use within environmental risk assessment to help make informed decisions about the potential risks associated with a variety of environmental stressors. Current risk assessments for transgenic crops conveying insect protection incorporate bioassays conducted on both pest and non-pest insects. As technology developers commercialize new insecticidal traits, SSDs combine the results of these individual studies to construct what may be a better picture of potential environmental risks. While SSDs have been used by technology developers and regulatory agencies to support transgenic crop risk assessments, they are not yet routine in the industry.