Effects of Phytase Transgenic Maize on the Physiological and Biochemical Responses and the Gut Microflora Functional Diversity of Ostrinia furnacalis

Transgenic maize hybrids that express the Aspergillus niger phyA2 gene could significantly improve phosphorus bioavailability to poultry and livestock. However, little information has been reported about the effects of phytase transgenic maize on the Asian corn borer (ACB), Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée). This study provides valuable information about the physiological, biochemical and gut microflora functional diversity changes of ACBs fed phytase transgenic maize. The weights, survival rates, in vivo protein contents, activities of two detoxification enzymes and three antioxidant enzymes of ACBs fed phytase transgenic maize exhibited no significant differences to those fed non-transgenic maize. Functional diversities of the gut microflora communities of ACBs were not affected by different fodder treatments, but significant differences were observed between different generations of ACBs. Our study provides useful information about the biochemical responses and gut microflora community functional diversities of ACBs fed phytase transgenic maize firstly and the results will help to assess the potential effects of phytase transgenic maize on other target and non-target arthropods in the future.