Two genetically modified insect-resistant maize events reduced fumonisin pollution under the stress of Lepidoptera in China

China is the second-largest maize producer and consumer globally. During maize production, <i>Fusarium</i> spp. often gets infected, and mycotoxins like fumonisin contaminate it. Fumonisin has become the most widely polluted mycotoxin type in China. Planting genetically - modified maize is an economical and effective approach to reducing fumonisin pollution in products. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of two transgenic events from China, <i>Bt</i>-Cry1Ab-Ma CM8101 and <i>Bt</i>-Cry1Ab, Cry2Ab, G10evo Ruifeng 8, in reducing fumonisin pollution in maize under the stress of natural and Lepidopteran pests (<i>Ostrinia furnacalis, Mythimna separate, Helicoverpa armigera</i>) in two Chinese sites from 2018-2019. The results showed that under the stress of Lepidoptera insects (<i>O. furnacalis</i> and <i>H. armigera</i>), the total amount of fumonisin in <i>Bt</i> maize decreased significantly. Maize with two insect-resistant transgenic events reduced fumonisin by over 70%. In years with serious fumonisin pollution, the effects of CM8101 and Ruifeng 8 on reducing pollution were more significant. <i>Bt</i> maize can provide area-wide pest management and thus contribute to a progressive phase-down of chemical pesticide use. Genetically-modified insecticidal crops can ensure food and nutrition security, contribute to the sustainable intensification of China's agriculture, and reduce the environmental footprint of food systems.