Cross-pollination between genetically modified and conventional oilseed rape fields

Abstract

Since the introduction of genetically modified crops in Europe, gene flow from those crops to conventional crops and wild relatives has been a key element in the safety assessment. In this experiment cross-pollination frequencies from a genetically modified herbicide tolerant oilseed rape crop to a conventional one were measured at six defined distances from the GM crop by taking seed samples in the conventional crop and analysing the progeny for presence of the herbicide tolerance gene. Levels of cross-pollination tend to decrease with increasing distance from the pollen source. Transgenic volunteers emerging in the subsequent crop can however be readily controlled with normal agricultural practices.