SynTech Research Group Highlights the Importance of Non-Target Organisms  in Safety Assessments for GM Crops

By SynTech Research Group|16 March 2025

In the context of Non-Target Organisms (NTOs) gaining increasing relevance in the field of agricultural biotechnology, SynTech Research highlights the need to guarantee the safety and sustainability of genetically modified crops.

NTOs play a crucial role in ecosystems and it is essential to understand how innovative technologies can affect their dynamics. Assessing the impact on NTOs has become a priority for biosafety regulations, to ensure that the introduction of new technologies in agribusiness does not compromise biodiversity and does not upset the environmental balance.

The assessment of the effects on NTOs is fundamental for the development and regulation of technologies with modified genetic characteristics. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues to evaluate new GMO crops on a case-by-case basis under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).

In the face of growing demand for expertise in carrying out independent studies to evaluate effects on NTOs in genetically modified crops, SynTech Research Group is doing its part. With certified experimental fields and equipped laboratories, the company offers a state-of-the-art structure and has a highly qualified technical staff, led by specialists with over 16 years’ experience.

Evaluating NTO effects includes the identification and monitoring of arthropods in different agricultural environments, using techniques such as pitfall traps for soil arthropods, sticky cards and yellow trays for aerial organisms, and active methods such as visual analysis and tapping for direct capture on plants. These methods allow for the collection of essential data to compare organism community effects between conventional and genetically modified plants, providing a solid scientific basis for environmental risk assessment. After capture, the organisms undergo thorough sorting, classification and identification, allowing for detailed ecological and statistical analysis. In this way, SynTech contributes to ensuring the safety and sustainability of biotechnologies, providing critical information for the implementation of practices such as integrated pest management.

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Mariana Krugner, North America Field Testing Manager at SynTech Research Group, explains how the team has developed considerable internal expertise to support the biotech industry. “The industry is fast evolving and so are our teams ensures continued collaboration. This allows our clients to efficiently move forward on seed deregulations. I’m impressed with the attention to detail and the commitment to safety demonstrated by the industry.”

In addition to evaluating NTOs, SynTech carries out studies on the degradability of residues, nutritional composition, the effectiveness of biotechnologies and the impact on soil microbiota, reinforcing its commitment to science, integrity and excellence in promoting safe and sustainable agricultural practices.

SynTech Research Group is a leading global agricultural CRO, offering comprehensive efficacy research, regulatory, environmental and market support services to agrochemical, biostimulant, biocontrol and seed companies. With more than 600 specialists in over 40 countries, it operates from state-of-the-art infrastructures. More than 25 years of experience underline SynTech's role in the development, registration and positioning of products on the market, based on a commitment to exceptional results for customers. For more information, See all author stories here.

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