Assessment of hybridization propensity between genetically modified oilseed rape and nontransgenic relatives

Abstract

The lack of knowledge about the impact on ecosystems restricts the expansion of genetically modified plants. We review the potential gene flow into the environment due to the cultivation of transgenic oilseed rape. The problem is immediate for this crop on the ground of the widespread of its allogamous weedy relatives. The main difficulty in risk assessment is caused by fluctuation in hybridization frequencies depending on the transgenes used, crop’s line and population features and also the imperfection of current methods of molecular diagnostics. For minimization of such risks, preliminary investigation of cross-pollination, inheritance, expression and phenotypical effects of transgenes in hybrids with both wild and domestic relatives is recommended in all regions where GM-crops are going to be grown. On the basis of this data, specific measures and recommendations to prevent gene flow can be developed. Domestic GM-crop lines, properly tested in local ecosystems, can be grown without any environmental threat.