GMO matrix: A cost-effective approach for screening unauthorized genetically modified events in India

Abstract

Use of a pragmatic, affordable and reliable approach for screening and detection of a large number of genetically modified (GM) crops/events is the need of hour. A cost-effective matrix approach to check the GM status of food/feed products and for screening the presence of authorized and unauthorized GM events in India is being reported in the present study. A genetically modified organism (GMO) screening matrix, with the information on 106 genetic element targets for detection of 141 GM events of 21 crops, is being presented. These include commercially cultivated Bt cotton events and other GM events, under field trials during the past six years (2006–2012) in the country. The information on GM events, which were either indigenously developed or imported for research purposes, is also presented in brief. Ten most frequently present targets, viz., [P-35S] [T-nos] [Os-Msca1] [cry1Ab] [cry1Ac] [cry1C] [cry2Ab] [GA20 oxidase1] [nptII] [bar], were identified to screen these events using a GMOseek algorithm. This user-friendly screening tool is flexible for further updates with the new GM events and targets/elements. The data reported here related to the GM crops/events in India and the related GMO matrix are valuable tools to assist in the detection of accidental presence of unauthorized GM events in the food and supply chain globally, as well as in the context of the new labelling requirements for food commodities, as per the amendment to enforce GM food labelling from January 2013 in India. The reported GMO matrix approach would facilitate efficient, rapid and cost-effective preliminary screening by eliminating the need for development of specific testing methodologies for each GM event.