Biology Forums - Study Force

Is there any report of a transgenic plant breeding with the wild type? This is one of the main worries of anti-GMO stance people, I'm wondering whether there's any basis to this? If so,are there any verified, peer reviewed reports of it? I know of one reported instance of it happening with maize in Brazil, but it was soon debunked by a more reliable study. Thanks!

There is always potential for transgene transfer through cross pollination between natural indigenous species. If such a thing does occur, by all means, it could form super weeds or super plants. The risks vary depending on several factors including how closely-related the wild species are to the transgenics; the method of pollination (in-breeding or out-breeding); the location of the plants; the species involved and the distance between them. There have been several studies which have investigated the risk of gene-transfer through cross-pollination including Bergelson, Purrington & Wichmann (1998); Mikkelsen, Andersen & Jorgensen (1996); Arias & Riesberg (1994); Evenhuis & Zadoks (1991).

Here is an excellent link that analyses these papers:

http://www.adonline.id.au/terminatorseeds/transfer-to-wild-plants.php (http://www.adonline.id.au/terminatorseeds/transfer-to-wild-plants.php)

I found an excellent article that mentions:

Gene transfer through cross pollination can only occur to other wheat plants flowering synchronously, and even then, at extremely low frequencies. Pollen dispersal in wheat plants is wind mediated and wheat pollen is relatively heavy compared to other grass pollen and does not remain viable for long periods (Lelley 1966). Field conditions including temperature, relative humidity and wind intensity have a great influence upon pollen viability and pollen movement. Under field conditions, wheat pollen may be viable for less than 30 minutes (OECD 1999).

See the attachment...

Thank you both for such detailed answers, these are great scientific papers!