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

Abstract

The lack of knowledge about the impact on ecosystems has restricted 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 as its allogamous weedy relatives are widespread. The main difficulty in assessing the risk is caused by the fluctuation in the hybridization frequencies depending on the transgenes used, the crop’s line and population features, and also the imperfection of current methods of molecular diagnostics. In order to minimize such risks, the preliminary investigation of crosspollination, inheritance, expression, and phenotypical effects of transgenes in hybrids with both their wild and domestic relatives is recommended in all regions where GM-crops are going to be grown. Based on 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.