Novel Protein Vpb4Da2 Against Western Corn Rootworm Passes Food and Feed Safety Assessment

Aug 12, 2022

Vpb4Da2 is a new Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal protein that confers in planta resistance against the western corn rootworm (WCR). After a thorough food and feed safety assessment, scientists concluded that the protein does not pose any greater safety risk to humans nor animals than non-genetically modified maize varieties.

The protein was assessed following the guidance from FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius commission in 2009. The scientists assessed its history of safe use and of its donor organism, its structural similarity with any known toxins or allergens, its physicochemical characterization and functional properties, and its stability in the presence of gastrointestinal proteases or upon exposure to cooking temperatures.

Results showed that Vpb4Da2's structure and function are similar to other insect control proteins found in commercialized genetically modified crops.

Click here to see more...

Video: Wisconsin Corn and Soybean Weed Management Updates and Considerations for 2026 and Beyond

Dr. Rodrigo Werle, associate professor and extension weed scientist, UW–Madison, shares the latest updates and future considerations for corn and soybean weed management in Wisconsin. This presentation covers herbicide resistance trends in waterhemp, including newly confirmed cases of HPPD and S-metolachlor resistance, and emphasizes the importance of residual herbicides and strategic tank mixes for consistent control. Rodrigo also introduces upcoming technologies like Vyconic soybeans and new herbicide products, discusses integrated weed management strategies such as planting green with cover crops, and highlights practical recommendations for 2026 and beyond.

At University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension, we are working to integrate accessibility into our web, video, and audio content. If you experience accessibility barriers using our web, audio, or video content or would like to request complete captions, alternative languages, or other alternative formats, please contact us at accessibility@extension.wisc.edu. You will receive a response within 3 business days. There’s no added cost to you for these services.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.