Maize barrier of transgenes

Abstract

Jerry Kermicle (University of Wisconsin at Madison, USA) has identified a possible way to genetically isolate non-transgenic maize from transgenic populations of maize. Teosinte (Zea mays subsp. mexicana), a relative of maize, has a gene cluster that when bred into maize, creates a genetic barrier and stops gene flow in maize. The resulting maize–teosinte hybrid is genetically inaccessible and isolated from outside populations of maize. This technology could have repercussions on maize exports to countries concerned with transgenic contamination from predominantly American crops. Licensing terms of the technology will include a provision that genetically modifying technology be kept out of maize varieties with the teosinte barrier. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2000/10/001012074556.htm TS