Gene flow and risk assessment in genetically modified crops

Abstract

For developers and regulators of genetically modified plants, an evaluationof gene flow is an essential part of the risk assessment required prior to a decision on whether a transgenic crop variety may enter the marketplace. Assessments of the probability of gene flow relative to non-GM varieties and the potential impact of the establishment of a transgene in populations outside of cultivation are used to determine a level ofrisk. We provide here an overview of the principles and methodologies which have been used in gene flow studiesin transgenic crops.