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Can we stop transgenes from taking a walk on the wild side?
Author(s) -
DLUGOSCH KATRINA M.,
WHITTON JEANNETTE
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
molecular ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.619
H-Index - 225
eISSN - 1365-294X
pISSN - 0962-1083
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-294x.2008.03663.x
Subject(s) - biology , transgene , context (archaeology) , microbiology and biotechnology , population , trait , resistance (ecology) , canola , genetics , agronomy , gene , paleontology , demography , sociology , computer science , programming language
Whether the potential costs associated with broad‐scale use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) outweigh possible benefits is highly contentious, including within the scientific community. Even among those generally in favour of commercialization of GM crops, there is nonetheless broad recognition that transgene escape into the wild should be minimized. But is it possible to achieve containment of engineered genetic elements in the context of large scale agricultural production? In a previous study, Warwick et al. (2003) documented transgene escape via gene flow from herbicide resistant (HR) canola ( Brassica napus ) into neighbouring weedy B. rapa populations ( Fig. 1) in two agricultural fields in Quebec, Canada. In a follow‐up study in this issue of Molecular Ecology, Warwick et al . (2008) show that the transgene has persisted and spread within the weedy population in the absence of selection for herbicide resistance. Certainly a trait like herbicide resistance is expected to spread when selected through the use of the herbicide, despite potentially negative epistatic effects on fitness. However, Warwick et al .'s findings suggest that direct selection favouring the transgene is not required for its persistence. So is there any hope of preventing transgene escape into the wild? 1Weedy Brassica rapa (orange flags) growing in a B. napus field. (Photo: MJ Simard)