Premium
Glyphosate‐drift but not herbivory alters the rate of transgene flow from single and stacked trait transgenic canola ( Brassica napus ) to nontransgenic B. napus and B. rapa
Author(s) -
Londo Jason P.,
Bollman Michael A.,
Sagers Cynthia L.,
Lee E. Henry,
Watrud Lidia S.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
new phytologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.742
H-Index - 244
eISSN - 1469-8137
pISSN - 0028-646X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2011.03706.x
Subject(s) - canola , biology , brassica rapa , brassica , transgene , glufosinate , plutella , glyphosate , genetically modified crops , agronomy , gene flow , diamondback moth , botany , gene , genetic variation , genetics , lepidoptera genitalia
Summary• Transgenic plants can offer agricultural benefits, but the escape of transgenes is an environmental concern. In this study we tested the hypothesis that glyphosate drift and herbivory selective pressures can change the rate of transgene flow between the crop Brassica napus (canola), and weedy species and contribute to the potential for increased transgene escape risk and persistence outside of cultivation. • We constructed plant communities containing single transgenic B. napus genotypes expressing glyphosate herbicide resistance ( CP4 EPSPS ), lepidopteran insect resistance ( Cry1Ac ), or both traits (‘stacked’), plus nontransgenic B. napus , Brassica rapa and Brassica nigra . Two different selective pressures, a sublethal glyphosate dose and lepidopteran herbivores ( Plutella xylostella ), were applied and rates of transgene flow and transgenic seed production were measured. • Selective treatments differed in the degree in which they affected gene flow and production of transgenic hybrid seed. Most notably, glyphosate‐drift increased the incidence of transgenic seeds on nontransgenic B. napus by altering flowering phenology and reproductive function. • The findings of this study indicate that transgenic traits may be transmitted to wild populations and may increase in frequency in weedy populations through the direct and indirect effects of selection pressures on gene flow.