Abstract
Regulatory compliance of experimental releases into the environment of not yet approved genetically modified plants often requires implementation of measures to reduce the dispersal of reproductive material. To study the impact of nets on pollen flow in an experimental field site in Switzerland, non-GM apple varieties ‘Ladina’ and ’Nicogreen’ were planted inside and outside a netted plot, respectively. Seeds harvested from mature fruits were germinated and the paternal variety of the seedlings was determined using simple sequence repeat (SSR) molecular markers. We demonstrate that pollination frequency from trees inside the netted plot to trees outside over a two-year (2018 and 2019) study of 4500 seedlings is 0.6% (26 seedlings). Moreover, these outcrossing events decreased with increasing distance from the pollen donor. Over the study period, we found on average 0.9%, 0.5%, 0.4% and 0.09% of the seedlings derived from apples of ‘Nicogreen’ trees at 8 m, 15 m, 72 m and 117 m being generated by fertilisations of ‘Ladina’ pollen, respectively. In comparison, 48.3% (2018 season) and 75.1% (2019 season) of examined ‘Ladina’ seedlings in the netted plot originated from ‘Nicogreen’ tree pollen outside the netted plot. The results suggest that insect netting is effective in minimizing egress of apple pollen from an experimental site and that the likelihood of outcrossing is reduced further (<0.1%) when there are no compatible apple trees within a radius of 100 m of the pollen donor. These data are important for biosafety research/regulation to aid understanding of pollen flow in experimental field sites.
Highlights
The genetic modification of apple is convenient as it reduces the time and resources needed to introduce novel traits, while retaining the valuable consumer-driven characteristics of the variety
The results suggest that insect netting is effective in minimizing egress of apple pollen from an experimental site and that the likelihood of outcrossing is reduced further (
Due to the large number of apples harvested from Block C, approximately 50% of them were randomly selected for analysis
Summary
The genetic modification of apple is convenient as it reduces the time and resources needed to introduce novel traits (e.g., disease resistance), while retaining the valuable consumer-driven characteristics of the variety. The transmission of genetically modified (GM) material outside of the experimental stand needs to be minimized with lines not approved for unconfined release Simple practices such as collection of wood after pruning and the disposal of apples approaching maturity are effective at managing the dispersal of material. Pollinating insects can travel several kilometers [4,5] and the pollen can remain viable for up to several weeks [3]; limiting insect movement with nets could minimise pollen transfer Other measures such as distancing experimental plots from commercial orchards, or by the removal of flowers prior to opening could further aid in reducing pollen spread
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
