Composting rapidly degrades DNA from genetically modified plants

Organic farmers are concerned about the use of genetically modified plants (GM plants) in conventional agriculture. The concern is mainly focused on the risk of spreading of pollen or seeds from GM plans to adjacent fields. There has been less focus on the environmental impact of exposing the soil to genetically modified DNA (i.e. transgenic DNA) from GM plants residues left in the field. Yet, the new EU directive on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms (EU, 2001) requires a "description of post-release treatment methods for the genetically modified plant material including wastes"

Introducing Genetically Modified Plants: Now or Later - An Option Value Approach

Using market data, we have estimated the quasi option value of delaying to grow genetically modified corn and soybeans in Europe. We find that the current quasi option value of growing genetically modified soybeans and corn in Europe is high. This makes it likely that for the time being the information value of waiting exceeds the market gains of growing genetically modified plants in Europe.quasi option value, value of information, genetically modified plants, Crop Production/Industries, Q29, G13, Q18,

Genetically Modified Plants and Beyond

Genetically Modified Plants and Beyond takes a fresh look at methodologies used in developing crop plants, discusses genome editing, and interrogates the regulatory approaches that different countries are proposing to use to regulate genetically modified (GM) vs genome-edited crop plants. The book focuses on root and tuber crops, ginger, and industrial/oil seed crops. A chapter on the production of pharmaceuticals in plants is also included. Going beyond the usual debate, the book includes case studies from Africa on the adoption of GM crops

Environmental risk assessment of genetically modified plants - concepts and controversies

Background and purpose: In Europe, the EU Directive 2001/18/EC lays out the main provisions of environmental risk assessment (ERA) of genetically modified (GM) organisms that are interpreted very differently by different stakeholders. The purpose of this paper is to: (a) describe the current implementation of ERA of GM plants in the EU and its scientific shortcomings, (b) present an improved ERA concept through the integration of a previously developed selection procedure for identification of non-target testing organisms into the ERA framework as laid out in the EU Directive 2001/18/EC and its supplement material (Commission Decision 2002/623/EC), (c) describe the activities to be carried out in each component of the ERA and (d) propose a hierarchical testing scheme. Lastly, we illustrate the outcomes for three different crop case examples. Main features: Implementation of the current ERA concept of GM crops in the EU is based on an interpretation of the EU regulations that focuses almost exclusively on the isolated bacteria-produced novel proteins with little consideration of the whole plant. Therefore, testing procedures for the effect assessment of GM plants on non-target organisms largely follow the ecotoxicological testing strategy developed for pesticides. This presumes that any potential adverse effect of the whole GM plant and the plant-produced novel compound can be extrapolated from testing of the isolated bacteriaproduced novel compound or can be detected in agronomic field trials. This has led to persisting scientific criticism. Results: Based on the EU ERA framework, we present an improved ERA concept that is system oriented with the GM plant at the centre and integrates a procedure for selection of testing organisms that do occur in the receiving environment. We also propose a hierarchical testing scheme from laboratory studies to field trials and we illustrate the outcomes for three different crop case examples. Conclusions and recommendations: Our proposed concept can alleviate a number of deficits identified in the current approach to ERA of GM plants. It allows the ERA to be tailored to the GM plant case and the receiving environment

Underdetermination and evidence-based policy

Safety assessment of technologies and interventions is often underdetermined by evidence. For example, scientists have collected evidence concerning genetically modified plants for decades. This evidence was used to ground opposing safety protocols for “stacked genetically modified” plants, in which two or more genetically modified plants are combined. Evidence based policy would thus be rendered more effective by an approach that accounts for underdetermination. Douglas (2012) proposes an explanatory approach, based on the criteria of transparency, empirical competence, internal consistency of explanations, and predictive potency. However, sometimes multiple explanations can satisfy these criteria. We propose an additional criterion based on converse abduction, where explanations are selected on the basis of ontological background assumptions as well as by evidence. We then apply our proposed scheme to the case of the regulation of stacked genetically modified plants. We discuss the implications and suggest follow-up work concerning the generalizability of the approach.publishedVersio

Guidance on allergenicity assessment of genetically modified plants

This document provides supplementary guidance on specific topics for the allergenicity risk assessment of genetically modified plants. In particular, it supplements general recommendations outlined in previous EFSA GMO Panel guidelines and Implementing Regulation (EU) No 503/2013. The topics addressed are non-IgE-mediated adverse immune reactions to foods, in vitro protein digestibility tests and endogenous allergenicity. New scientific and regulatory developments regarding these three topics are described in this document. Considerations on the practical implementation of those developments in the risk assessment of genetically modified plants are discussed and recommended, where appropriate. (C) 2017 European Food Safety Authority. EFSA Journal published by John Wiley and Sons Ltd on behalf of European Food Safety Authority

Genetically Modified Plants: A Need for International Regulation

Amongst all the possible issues related to biotechnology, the issue concerning genetically modified food (GMF) has special importance: while the creators of this kind of food are starting to exploit it commercially, resistance to genetically modified food has risen under the leadership of the European countries. This paper will be confined only to genetically modified plants (GMP) , and their impacts on both the environment and the economy. In this paper, an overview will be provided of the issues involved in the context of GMP, including aspects of consumer and environmental protection, international trade, and intellectual property. Then, and using as a reference the ongoing discussion in Brazil concerning genetically modified soy, an analysis will be made of the questions relating to labeling and moratorium in the exploitation of these products. Finally, and after analyzing the situation mentioned above, and considering some of the general principles and concepts in international environmental law (specifically: state responsibility, the duty to assess environmental impacts, the obligation not to cause environmental harm, and the precautionary principle) a conclusion may be warranted. This conclusion is that an international regulation establishing not only a moratorium in the exploitation of GMP but also some minimum standards and an international label requirement should be introduced to counterbalance the economic power of the multinational companies acting in this field over developing or the less developed countries; second, more time should be provided for detailed studies on the environmental and health impacts of this kind of harvest; third, it will be necessary to protect the consumers; and finally, it must be in accord with general concepts and principles of international environmental law

Gene diffusion and Safety of transgenic Genetically Modified plants

遺伝子組み換え植物である,グリホサート耐性遺伝子組換えダイズ(Glicine max)(モンサント社のT. MON2)を用いて遺伝子拡散と土壌微生物相への影響について検討した。2004年の圃場試験では非組換えダイズとしてタンレイを用いて距離80cmまで0.115%の確率で,2005年の圃場試験では非組換えダイズとしてタンレイ,スズユタカを用いてタンレイでのみ距離140cmまで0.018%の確率で花粉の飛散による遺伝子拡散が認められた。遺伝子組換えダイズの土壌微生物相への影響は希釈培養法で検討した。細菌一般,糸状菌,放線菌数において非遺伝子組換えダイズと組換えダイズの間で有意な差は認められなかった。研究報