Localised heterogeneity, gene flow and the persistence of transgenes from genetically modified oilseed rape.

Abstract

Volunteer population dynamics are key to determining the adventitious presence of genetically modified oilseed rape experienced by subsequent crops. However, the interaction between localised pollen dispersal and heterogeneity in the distribution of GM genotypes on introgression and transgene dynamics has not been considered. This paper reports on the gene flow between GM volunteers and conventional oilseed crops within fields under typical commercial conditions. Spatial variation in gene flow rates was investigated and compared to the distribution and abundance of GM volunteers. Heterogeneity in the distribution of GM volunteers within the conventional crop was evident at all sites studied. Gene flow from GM to conventional plants was heterogeneous at a small spatial scale but the gene flow could not be related to small scale patterns in the distribution of GM plants. An individual based modelling approach was used to investigate the effect of the interaction between genotype heterogeneity and localised gene flow on transgene dynamics. Source: cab