USDA opens public consultation on genetically modified corn DP51291

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has opened a public consultation on the request to deregulate the DP51291 genetically modified corn. The petition came from Pioneer Hi-Bred International, owned by Corteva. The genetically modified corn combines insect resistance and tolerance to glufosinate ammonium. These same traits have already been deregulated for another corn variety from the company, DP23211.

After reviewing the application, the USDA prepared a preliminary assessment of plant pest risk similarity. Technicians concluded that DP51291 does not present a greater risk than DP23211. The documents were open for public consultation for 30 days starting March 6, 2026. The deadline for submitting contributions is April 6, 2026, under process APHIS-2025-0411.

In the European Union, DP51291 has already undergone a safety assessment by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). EFSA analyzed the crop for import, processing, and use in food and feed. The scope did not include cultivation within the bloc. The panel concluded that DP51291 maize is as safe as the conventional comparator and as the non-GMO varieties tested, both for human and animal health and for the environment.

According to EFSA, the event was developed for the control of pests susceptible to Diabrotica virgifera virgifera and for tolerance to glufosinate-based herbicides. The modification introduced the expression cassettes ipd072Aa, pmi, and mo-pat. The authority also noted that molecular and bioinformatic analyses did not identify issues requiring a new food or feed safety assessment.

The European Parliament, in a resolution of 8 October 2025, cited the European Commission's decision of 22 September 2025 authorising the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of, or produced from maize DP51291. The text also notes that the Standing Committee and the Appeals Committee did not issue an opinion in the votes of June and July 2025.

The insecticidal protein IPD072Aa, expressed in the event, comes from Pseudomonas chlororaphisIn a study cited in the report, it showed high activity against Diabrotica virgifera virgiferaThe authors reported that the protein binds to receptors in the insect's gut that are different from those used by current commercial traits, and that this action leads to the death of cells in the larva's midgut.