The establishment of genetically engineered canola populations in the U.S

Abstract

Concerns regarding the commercial release of genetically engineered (GE) crops include naturalization, introgression to sexually compatible relatives and the transfer of beneficial traits to native and weedy species through hybridization. To date there have been few documented reports of escape leading some researchers to question the environmental risks of biotech products. In this study we conducted a systematic roadside survey of canola (Brassica napus) populations growing outside of cultivation in North Dakota, USA, the dominant canola growing region in the U.S. We document the presence of two escaped, transgenic genotypes, as well as non-GE canola, and provide evidence of novel combinations of transgenic forms in the wild. Our results demonstrate that feral populations are large and widespread. Moreover, flowering times of escaped populations, as well as the fertile condition of the majority of collections suggest that these populations are established and persistent outside of cultivation.

Figure 1. Distribution and density of feral canola populations in North Dakota road surveys (2010).

Circles indicate locations of sampling sites; diameter of circle indicates plant density; gray circles indicate no canola present. The presence of genetically engineered protein in the vouchered specimen is shown by color: red – glyphosate resistance; blue – glufosinate resistance; yellow – dual resistance traits; green – non-transgenic. Canola fields are indicated by stippling based on 2009 USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service report (http://www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_Subject/index.php?sector=CROPS). Stars show the locations of oilseed processing plants (3). Solid lines illustrate interstate, state and county highways.