Meta-analysis of agronomic and phenotypic characteristics from up to 15 Experimental Phase studies (33 statistical tests; Table 1) confirmed that MON-89Ø34-3 × MON-88Ø17-3, MON-89Ø34-3 × MON-ØØ6Ø3-6, and MON-ØØ6Ø3-6 GM maize hybrids were no different from the conventional hybrid control for early stand count, days-to-anthesis, days-to-silking, root lodging, stalk lodging, and final stand count, so phenotypic characteristics that define crop establishment (e.g., early stand count) were similar in both test and control materials (Fig. 2, top). Also, the absence of differences in the time to reach flowering (anthesis and silking) indicates that plant growth and development were similar between test and control materials and responded in a similar manner to growing conditions (temperature, soil moisture, nutrients, etc.) and crop management. In contrast, differences in grain yield between MON-89Ø34-3 × MON-88Ø17-3 and MON-89Ø34-3 × MON-ØØ6Ø3-6 GM maize hybrids and the conventional hybrid control (Fig. 2) could be a result of less damage induced by target insect lepidopteran pests (Spodoptera spp.), better plant health, and overall less stressful conditions for the GM hybrids, enabling them to reach more of their full yield potential.