non-GM Soybean Research Articles

Compositional Analysis of Herbicide Tolerant and Conventionally Improved Soybeans in Nigeria

Aim/Background:Comparative compositional analysis was carried out between two herbicide tolerant soybean varieties and two conventionally improved non-GM soybeans (Glycine max) varieties for base line data and safety analysis for subsequent breeding purposes. Method:The experiment was laid in completely randomized design with three replications. The moisture content, ash content, nitrogen content, crude protein content, Percentage crude fibre content, crude lipid, metabolizable energy and calories values were determined for each of the samples using AOAC, 2000 method. Collected data was subjected to analysis of variance and pertinent means were separated using Fisher’s least significant difference (LSD) at 5% level of probability. Results:The moisture content values observed for the four varieties ranged from 5.0 – 5.9 % which were not significantly different from the standard reference of 6.12%. Ash content was lowest for TGX-1448-2E at 1.2%, followed by E 14017 at 4.2 %; while it was 4.7 % for TGX 1904-6F;.and the highest observed value was 6.42 % in E 14086. The least nitrogen content value was observed in E14017 at 6.12%, followed by TGX 1448-2E at 8.17 %; TGX 1904-6F at 8.9 % and the highest observed in E14086 at 11.6%. All values were within range of standard reference value of 496.37 Kcal/g except for TGX 1904-6F(363.09Kcal/g) which was relatively low. Conclusion:It could be concluded that contents of the key components of the HT soybean had no significant difference with those of the non-GM soybean ascertaining the safety and this data is necessary for onward varietal development.

The future of protein feed: a case study of sustainable substitutes in the German livestock industry

The use of imported soybean/soybean meal is criticized in the context of the sustainability discussion in Germany. Imported soybean is often associated with deforestation and genetic modification, which is largely viewed critically by consumers. This study aims to forecast changes in future demand for imported soybean/soybean meal and its possible substitutes in the German livestock industry. The two-round Delphi method was used in the study by sending questionnaires to 28 experts from four groups: food retailers, livestock associations, animal nutrition manufacturers and research institutes. Our main result is that the total use of soybeans in German livestock farming will decrease from almost 4 million tons of soybean equivalents in 2018/19 to approximately 3.4 million tons by 2030/31. In contrast, the share of non-GM soybean is forecast to increase from 26 to 53%. Factors that influence the increased use of non-GM protein feeds most are “specifications from downstream processors” and “demand from the feed industry.” Experts forecast that about 36% of imported soybean/soybean meal (from non-EU countries) for German livestock farming could be replaced by protein feed produced in the EU. Rapeseed was considered to have a particularly high potential for production in the EU, followed by soybean and sunflower. Experts considered the factors: “requirements by the food retailers,” “reasonable price,” “political regulation” and “better profitability for the producer” as the most influential for extended use of regional protein feeds.

Comparative Analysis of Nutritional Composition Between GM and Non-GM Soybeans and Soybean Oils by NMR and GC-FID Techniques

Comparative Analysis of Nutritional Composition Between GM and Non-GM Soybeans and Soybean Oils by NMR and GC-FID Techniques

Food Safety Assessment of Commercial Genetically Modified Soybeans in Rats

Although the safety of commercial genetically modified (GM) soybeans has been well evaluated and GM soybeans are legally sold under government management, some consumers still have concerns about their safety. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety of commercial GM soybeans sold in markets as a food source. In the present study, two commercial GM (GM-1 and -2) soybeans and one non-GM soybean were randomly purchased and subjected to a whole food toxicity assessment. Rats (SD), male and female, were divided into six groups (10/sex/group). Two dosages of 1 g/kg/day and 5 g/kg/day of soybeans were selected for the low- and high-dose groups. Rats were administered the soybeans via daily oral fed for 90 days. The results indicate that the body weight, organ weight, biochemistry, hematology, and urology showed no biologically adverse effects. At necropsy, no significant differences between organ weights were noted between the non-GM- and GM soybeans-treated groups. Moreover, no gross or histopathological lesions were observed in the high-dosage (5 g/kg/day) fed groups of the non-GM and GM soybean fed rats. In conclusion, this food safety assessment revealed that commercial GM soybeans are substantially equivalent to non-GM soybeans in rats.

Effects of genotype and environment on the nutrient and metabolic profiles of soybeans genetically modified with epidermal growth factor or thioredoxin compared with conventional soybeans

Genetically modified (GM) soybean events CT-4025 and CT-1001, which contain genes encoding thioredoxin and epidermal growth factor, respectively, have previously been developed for use in cosmetic materials. In this study, compositional analyses and metabolic profiling were carried out to assess the unintended effects on the composition of metabolites between GM soybeans and non-GM soybeans. The soybeans were cultivated in 2016 and 2017 in two regions (Ochang and Jeonju) in the Republic of Korea. Statistical analyses were performed using univariate and multivariate methods. Results from the compositional analysis showed that the compositional variation in the tested GM varieties was within the range of conventional varieties. Furthermore, the results of multivariate analysis revealed that the growing year had a much stronger effect on soybean composition than did the growing site or genotypes. In the case of soybeans harvested in 2016, the levels of most amino acids decreased while those of secondary metabolites and sucrose increased, indicating that water stress due to low rainfall in 2016 induced metabolic changes. These results suggest that environmental factors have a major impact on the composition of GM and non-GM soybeans. We further demonstrated that metabolic approaches are useful for investigating the environmental change-induced metabolic network in GM crops intended for use in cosmetic materials.

Assessment of genetically modified soybean GMB151 for food and feed uses, under Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 (application EFSA-GMO-NL-2018-153).

Soybean GMB151 was developed to confer tolerance to 4‐hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) inhibitor herbicides and resistance to nematodes. The molecular characterisation data and bioinformatic analyses do not identify issues requiring food/feed safety assessment. None of the identified differences in the agronomic/phenotypic and compositional characteristics tested between soybean GMB151 and its conventional counterpart needs further assessment, except for palmitic acid and heptadecenoic acid in seeds and carbohydrate and crude protein in forage, which does not raise nutritional and safety concerns. The GMO Panel does not identify safety concerns regarding the toxicity and allergenicity of the HPPD‐4 and Cry14Ab‐1 proteins as expressed in soybean GMB151, and finds no evidence that the genetic modification would change the overall allergenicity of soybean GMB151. In the context of this application, the consumption of food and feed from soybean GMB151 does not represent a nutritional concern in humans and animals. The GMO Panel concludes that soybean GMB151 is as safe as the conventional counterpart and non‐GM soybean reference varieties tested, and no post‐market monitoring of food/feed is considered necessary. In the case of accidental release of viable soybean GMB151 seeds into the environment, this would not raise environmental safety concerns. The post‐market environmental monitoring plan and reporting intervals are in line with the intended uses of soybean GMB151. The GMO Panel concludes that soybean GMB151 is as safe as its conventional counterpart and the tested non‐GM soybean reference varieties with respect to potential effects on human and animal health and the environment.

PCR technology for screening genetically modified soybeans

Genetically modified (GM) crops involve transferring a specific stretch of DNA into the plant’s genome and giving it new or different characteristics. Since the first industrial application of transgenic crops in the United States in 1996, GM crops are becoming increasingly common in the market. At present, not all crops in the Chinese market are clearly marked as to whether they are GM crops or not. In order to protect consumer’s option to select their preferred products, we decided to conduct experiments to identify soybeans on the market. We hypothesized that soybeans on the market with unknown origin were GM soybeans. Then we established a detecting method using genetic technology and screened the soybeans. In this study, we used GTS 40-3-2 as a positive control, which contains genomic DNA, foreign DNA enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) and other exogenous elements, and GTS 40-3-2 SOYA BEAN (blank) as negative control, which contains genomic DNA only. To amplify the foreign DNA, we optimized the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) procedure by attempting different annealing temperatures to establish the PCR detection method. According to the electrophoresis results, in the samples from a local store, only genomic DNA lectin could be amplified, which indicated the samples were non-GM soybeans. Our study not only provides a detection method but also lays a foundation for testing soybean and processed soybean products of unknown origin.

Subchronic toxicity study in rats evaluating herbicide-tolerant soybean DAS-68416-4

A subchronic toxicity study was conducted in Wistar rats to evaluate the potential health effects of genetically modified (GM) herbicide-tolerant soybean DAS-68416-4. Rats were fed with diets containing toasted meal produced from GM soybean engineered with aad-12 and pat genes or containing non-GM soybean at a dose of 30.0, 15.0, or 7.5%,w/w% and 0% (control group) for 90 consecutive days. Animals were evaluated for general behavior, body weight gain, food consumption, food use efficiency, etc. At the middle and end of the study, blood and serum samples were collected for routine and biochemical assays. Internal organs were taken for calculating relative weights and doing histopathological examination. The rats were active and healthy without any abnormal symptoms during the entire study period. No biological differences in hematological or biochemical indices were detected. No histopathological changes were observed. Under the conditions of this study, herbicide-tolerant soybean DAS-68416-4 did not cause any treatment-related effects in Wistar rats following 90 days of dietary administration.

A novel isothermal detection method for the universal element of genetically modified soybean

Due to the increasingly heated debate on the potential threat of genetically modified (GM) crops to human health and environment, regulations and laws relevant to GM crops have been issued in many countries and regions to strictly restrict their cultivation and application. Therefore, fast and accurate method to realized on-site detection of GM crops is greatly demanded. In this work, a novel isothermal amplification method termed denaturation bubble-mediated strand exchange amplification (SEA) was proposed first time to detect GM crops. Fluorescence assay based on SEA could accurately distinguished GM and non-GM soybean by detecting agrobacterium tumefaciens nopaline synthase (NOS) terminator, which was widely incorporated in GM crops. Moreover, this feasible and specific method could detect NOS terminator from as low as 200 pg/μL total genomic DNA of GM soybean. In addition, in the actual sample detection, the result of colorimetric assay based on SEA results could be directly observed by the naked eyes within 58 min. Compared with the traditional methods based on PCR, which normally required complex equipment, skilled technicians and long operation time, this simple, fast and precise method is more desirable for the on-site GM crops detection.

Comparison of Various Soybean Allergen Levels in Genetically and Non-Genetically Modified Soybeans.

Several analyses of allergen levels have been reported as part of the safety assessment of genetically modified (GM) soybean; however, few comprehensive analyses have included new allergens. Thus, in this study the levels of eight major soybean allergens, including Gly m 7 (a newly reported soybean allergen), were semi-quantitatively detected in six GM soybeans and six non-GM soybeans using antigen-immobilized ELISA and immunoblotting. We also analyzed the IgE-reactivity to these soybeans through immunoblotting, using sera from three soybean-allergic patients. The results showed that there were no significant differences in the levels of the major soybean allergens in the GM and non-GM soybeans. Moreover, there were no significant differences in the serum IgE-reactive protein profiles of the patients, as analyzed using immunoblotting. These results indicate that, in general, CP4-EPSPS-transfected GM soybeans are not more allergenic than non-GM soybeans.

Assessment of genetically modified soybean SYHT0H2 for food and feed uses, import and processing, under Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 (application EFSA-GMO-DE-2012-111).

The scope of application EFSA‐GMO‐DE‐2012‐111 is for food and feed uses, import and processing of genetically modified (GM) soybean SYHT0H2 in the European Union. Soybean SYHT0H2 was developed to confer tolerance to the herbicidal active substances mesotrione and other p‐hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD)‐inhibiting herbicides and glufosinate ammonium. The molecular characterisation data and bioinformatic analyses do not identify issues except for sequence similarity of AvHPPD‐03 to bacterial haemolysins that was considered in food/feed safety assessment. The outcome of the comparative analysis (agronomic/phenotypic and compositional characteristics) did not need further assessment except for the changes in seed levels of α‐tocopherol and γ‐tocopherol that were assessed for food and feed relevance. The GMO Panel does not identify toxicological and allergenicity concerns for the AvHPPD‐03 and PAT proteins expressed in soybean SYHT0H2 and finds no evidence that the genetic modification would change the overall allergenicity of soybean SYHT0H2. The nutritional impact of food/feed from soybean SYHT0H2 is expected to be the same as that of food/feed from the conventional counterpart and commercial non‐GM soybean reference varieties. The GMO Panel concludes that soybean SYHT0H2 is as safe as and nutritionally equivalent to the conventional counterpart and the tested non‐GM soybean reference varieties, and no post‐market monitoring of food/feed is considered necessary. In the case of accidental release of viable soybean SYHT0H2 grains into the environment, soybean SYHT0H2 would not raise environmental safety concerns. The post‐market environmental monitoring plan and reporting intervals are in line with the intended uses of soybean SYHT0H2. In conclusion, the GMO Panel considers that soybean SYHT0H2, as described in this application, is as safe as its conventional counterpart and the tested non‐GM soybean reference varieties with respect to potential effects on human and animal health and the environment.

International trade in GMOs: have markets paid premiums on Brazilian soybeans?

Abstract: The introduction of GMO technology into global market chains and the rejection by consumers in some markets have led to the reorganization of soybean trades. Brazil has adopted the technology later than other countries and specialized in supplying non-GMO soybean between 1996 and 2005. On the other hand, the United States and Argentina, which adopted the technology in 1996, exported to countries with less social aversion to the GM-technology. The aim of this paper is to investigate the relation between changes in global market chains (price, source and destination and market shares) and GMO technology adoption, focusing on evidences for price premiums for non-GM soybeans produced in Brazil, by the analysis of the trade unit values (TUV). In order to do so, we employ multivariate methods (Principal Components and Hierarchical Cluster analyses) and estimate a Random Effect model based on a bilateral trade dataset covering the years from 1986 to 2010. Results show that GM-technology adoption significantly changed trade patterns. However, premiums were paid for Brazilian soybean only in niche markets, where the market share is lower.

Market Power of Genetically Modified Soybeans Traded Between the United States and Korea

Purpose - The purpose of this study was to investigate market power of soybeans exported by the United States to Korea. Particularly, this paper considered dichotomous characteristics of genetically modified (GM) soybeans and non-GM soybeans and conducted empirical analysis of these two segregated soybean markets to understand key tenets of market power in international soybean trade. Design/methodology - The difference in market power between GM and non-GM soybeans was analyzed using Residual Demand Elasticity (RDE) and Residual Supply Elasticity (RSE) models over the period of 2008~2018. RDE and RSE models under an imperfect competition condition were used to estimate market margins and determine whether GM and non-GM exporters or importers exercised market power in the destination market. Findings - Empirical results suggested that the U.S. had a market power on both GM and non-GM soybean exports. GM exports had greater market power than non-GM exports (14% vs. 9%). By contrast, Korea showed an inability to grab market margin or exert market power in soybean imports. Both export supply by the U.S. and import demand by Korea were found to be more responsive to price changes of GM soybeans than to prices changes of non-GM soybeans. This might be due to a self-interested, profit-seeking strategy by the exporter and many concerned consumers regarding potential adverse effects of GMOs in the importing country. Originality/value - This paper fills the literature gap by exploiting market power in both GM and non-GM markets with explicit consideration of price correlations between GM and non-GM soybeans in Korea. A number of existing studies have provided evidence for market power broadly embedded in international commodity trade. However, studies focusing on Korean markets are limited. No study has explored the country’s soybean trade. Furthermore, the majority of prior studies have almost exclusively focused on the market power from a standpoint of exporting countries without discussing importers’ market structure. This paper also sought to understand potentially distinguished patterns of market power between GM and non-GM markets.

Biochemical and Histopathological studies on female and male Wistar rats fed on genetically modified soybean meals (Roundup Ready)

BackgroundRoundup Ready became the most cultivated genetically modified (GM) crop in the world. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a diet containing GM soybean meal (RUR) on male and female Wistar rats. The body weights, food consumption, hematology, serum biochemistry, organ weight, and histopathological examination were compared between rats fed on GM soybean and those fed non-GM soybean after consumption of test diets for 18 weeks.MethodsSixty weaned Wistar albino rats (30 females and 30 males) were randomly assigned to three groups of ten rats for each group per each sex. All rats have been fed either a diet containing 0% GM soybean meal (control), 50% GM soybean meal (T1), and 100% GM soybean (T2). The body weights, food consumption, hematology, serum biochemistry, organ weight, and histopathological examination were compared between rats fed GM soybean and those fed non-GM Soybean after consumption of test diets for 18 weeks.ResultsExamined hematological parameters did not indicate a statistically significant difference between the GM soybean-fed groups (T1 and T2) and their respective controls, though the WBCs of the male of treated groups (T1 and T2), platelets count, and hemoglobin (HB) of the female of (T1) group were slightly elevated. The examined biochemical blood parameters showed that the level of triglycerides (TG) was statistically significantly higher in the female treated groups (T1 and T2) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was significantly higher in treated groups compared to their respective controls. Elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and creatinine were observed in some of the treated groups. Histopathological examination of selected organs (liver, kidney, and pancreas) and testes or ovaries and female mammary gland revealed histological alterations among different treated groups (T1 and T2) with their respective controls.ConclusionThe obtained results indicate the necessity to revise the safety standards of consumption of diets containing GM soybean.

Compositional analysis of genetically modified soybeans placed on Taiwan market

Soybean is an important protein source for consumers in Taiwan. Soybean production in Taiwan is not self-sufficient. Taiwan imports 2.5 million tons of soybeans annually. More than 90% of the imported soybeans are genetically modified (GM). To provide an objective assessment on safety of GM soybean and for post-market monitoring, we conducted a comparative assessment on key component compositions between imported GM soybean and local non-GM soybean from Taiwan. All the soybean samples were purchased from the local market to simulate the status of Taiwanese consumers in purchasing soybeans. The GM soybean samples were herbicide-tolerant soybeans. The content of the proximate, the amino acid composition, the fatty acid composition, vitamins, minerals, antinutritional factors, and isoflavones of soybean samples were analyzed. Most contents of the key components of the GM soybean had no significant difference with those of the non-GM soybean. However, the contents of ash, crude protein, amino acids, myristic acid, behenic acid, phosphorus, iron and phytic acid were significantly lower in the GM soybean samples, and the contents of crude fat, margaric acid, and stearic acid were significantly higher in the GM soybean samples. But they were all within the range of reference values. A total of 314 pesticide residues in each of the samples were analyzed. Glyphosate residue was detected only in GM soybean samples, but it is well below the threshold prescribed by the government. In summary, the GM soybean samples purchased from Taiwan market were shown to be substantially equivalent to non-GM soybeans.

Influence of gene flow from GM to non-GM soybeans by the size of the pollen donor

Influence of gene flow from GM to non-GM soybeans by the size of the pollen donor

Assessment of genetically modified soybean MON87751 for food and feed uses under Regulation (EC) No1829/2003 (application EFSA-GMO-NL-2014-121).

Soybean MON 87751 was developed through Agrobacterium tumefaciens‐mediated transformation to provide protection certain specific lepidopteran pests by the expression of the Cry1A.105 and Cry2Ab2 proteins derived from Bacillus thuringiensis. The molecular characterisation data and bioinformatic analyses did not identify issues requiring assessment for food and feed safety. None of the compositional, agronomic and phenotypic differences identified between soybean MON 87751 and the conventional counterpart required further assessment. The GMO Panel did not identify safety concerns regarding the toxicity and allergenicity of the Cry1A.105 and Cry2Ab2 proteins as expressed in soybean MON 87751, and found no evidence that the genetic modification might significantly change the overall allergenicity of soybean MON 87751. The nutritional impact of soybean MON 87751‐derived food and feed is expected to be the same as those derived from the conventional counterpart and non‐GM commercial reference varieties. The GMO Panel concludes that soybean MON 87751, as described in this application, is nutritionally equivalent to and as safe as the conventional counterpart and the non‐GM soybean reference varieties tested, and no post‐market monitoring of food and feed is considered necessary. In the case of accidental release of viable soybean MON 87751 seeds into the environment, soybean MON 87751 would not raise environmental safety concerns. The post‐market environmental monitoring plan and reporting intervals are in line with the intended uses of soybean MON 87751. In conclusion, soybean MON 87751, as described in this application, is as safe as its conventional counterpart and the tested non‐GM soybean reference varieties with respect to potential effects on human and animal health and the environment.

No subchronic toxicity of multiple herbicide-resistant soybean FG72 in Sprague-Dawley rats by 90-days feeding study

The genetically modified (GM) soybean FG72 contains two exogenous genes: p-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (hppd) and double mutant 5-enol pyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (2mepsps), endowing the FG72 with the glyphosate and isoxaflutole herbicides resistant abilities for presence of the 2mEPSPS and HPPD W336 proteins. A food safety assessment of GM soybean FG72 was evaluated by a 90-days feeding study using three different dietary concentrations (7.5%, 15%, or 30% w/w) of the GM soybean or its corresponding non-GM cultivar Jack fed to Sprague-Dawley rats. In our study, no biologically significant differences on animal daily clinical signs, body weights, clinical observations, hematology, clinical chemistry, histopathology on selected organs were observed within the GM soybean groups and among the GM soybean groups, the non-GM soybean groups and the control group. The results of the 90-days subchronic feeding study demonstrated that the GM soybean FG72 is as safe as the conventional non-GM soybean Jack.

A comparative study of human IgE binding to proteins of a genetically modified (GM) soybean and six non-GM soybeans grown in multiple locations

Prior to commercialization, genetically modified (GM) crops are evaluated to determine the allergenicity of the newly expressed protein. Some regulators require an evaluation of endogenous allergens in commonly allergenic crops including soybean to determine if genetic transformation increased endogenous allergen concentrations, even asking for IgE testing using sera from individual sensitized subjects. Little is known about the variability of the expression of endogenous allergens among non-GM varieties or under different environmental conditions. We tested IgE binding to endogenous allergenic proteins in an experimental non-commercial GM line, a non-GM near-isoline control, and five non-GM commercial soybean lines replicated at three geographically separated locations. One-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) immunoblotting and ELISA were performed using serum or plasma from eleven soybean allergic patients. The results of immunoblots and ELISA showed no significant differences in IgE binding between the GM line and its non-GM near-isoline control. However, some distinct differences in IgE binding patterns were observed among the non-GM commercial soybean lines and between different locations, highlighting the inherent variability in endogenous allergenic proteins. Understanding the potential variability in the levels of endogenous allergens is necessary to establish a standard of acceptance for GM soybeans compared to non-GM soybean events and lines.

Safety evaluation of DAS-44406-6 soybeans in Wistar rats

A 90-day in-country feeding trial in Wistar rats was conducted at Tianjin Laboratory in China to assess toxicity of diets containing DAS-44406-6 soybean meal. There were no treatment-related changes observed when compared with the non-GM isoline control groups but histopathologically, 2 of 10 high-dose females were reported to show kidney lesions. However, these findings contrasted with the absence of any treatment-related kidney lesions in 3 separate 90-day toxicity studies previously conducted in Sprague Dawley rats. Strain difference is not expected in the kidney response, and based on the low incidence and contrary evidence from previous studies, it is likely that these lesions were of spontaneous origin, or artefactual. To determine that the lesions observed were not treatment-related in Wistar rats, a specific follow-up confirmatory study was conducted under Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) in the Wistar strain of rats following an identical study design to the Tianjin study. To increase the power of detecting effects, twice the number of animals per group (20/sex/group) were used, and no treatment-related kidney histopathological changes were observed. Based on these results and entire weight of evidence evaluation, it is concluded that the histopathological changes previously noted in the 2 female Wistar rats of Tianjin study were not treatment-related and that DAS-44406-6 soybeans are as safe as conventional non-GM soybeans.