This database represents a comprehensive collection of experimental field data from all over the world on non-target invertebrates recorded in genetically engineered/modified Bt and non-Bt maize. The three data files deposited here are described by Meissle et al. (2022), BMC Research Notes, https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-022-06021-3 .

The database was created for a systematic review with the question if growing Bt maize changes abundance or ecological function of non-target animals compared to growing of non-GM maize, published by Meissle et al. (2022), Environmental Evidence, https://doi.org/10.1186/s13750-022-00272-0.

Data file 1 contains the database with 7279 records of non-target invertebrate abundance, activity density, or predation or parasitism in Bt and non-Bt maize, extracted from 120 publications. Data file 2 includes the list and definitions of variables in the database, and data file 3 represents the critical appraisal questions and answer options.

For details on methods and usage, see publications related to this dataset:

1. Meissle M, Naranjo SE, Kohl C, Riedel J, Romeis J. Does the growing of Bt maize change abundance or ecological function of non-target animals compared to the growing of non-GM maize? A systematic review protocol. Environmental Evidence. 2014;3:7. https://doi.org/10.1186/2047-2382-3-7
2. Meissle M, Naranjo SE, Romeis J. Does the growing of Bt maize change abundance or ecological function of non-target animals compared to the growing of non-GM maize? A systematic review. Environmental Evidence. 2022; https://doi.org/10.1186/s13750-022-00272-0
3. Meissle M, Naranjo SE, Romeis J. Database of non-target invertebrates recorded in field experiments of genetically engineered Bt maize and corresponding non-Bt maize. BMC Research Notes. 2022: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-022-06021-3

For details on usage, see publications related to this dataset (listed under Methods)