Long-term monitoring of feral genetically modified herbicide-tolerant <i>Brassica napus</i> populations around unloading Japanese ports

Abstract

Genetically modified, herbicide-tolerant (GMHT) Brassica napus plants originating from seed spill have recently been found along roadsides leading from Japanese ports that unload oilseed rape. Such introductions have potential biodiversity effects (as defined by the Cartagena Protocol): these include replacement of native elements in the biota through competitive suppression or hybridization. We conducted surveys in the period 2006–2011 to assess such threats. We examined shifts in the population distribution and occurrence of GMHT plants in 1,029 volunteer introduced assemblages of B. napus, 1,169 of B. juncea, and 184 of B. rapa around 12 ports. GMHT B. napus was found around 10 of 12 ports, but its proportion in the populations varied greatly by year and location. Over the survey period, the distributions of a pure non-GMHT population around Tobata and a pure GMHT population around Hakata increased significantly. However, there was no common trend of population expansion or contraction around the 12 ports. Furthermore, we found no herbicide tolerant B. juncea and B. rapa plants derived from crosses with GMHT B. napus. Therefore, GMHT B. napus is not invading native vegetation surrounding its populations and not likely to cross with congeners in Japanese environment.

Scientific Opinion on an application by Bayer CropScience and Monsanto (EFSA‐GMO‐NL‐2009‐75) for placing on the market of genetically modified glufosinate‐ammonium‐ and glyphosate‐tolerant oilseed rape MS8 × RF3 × GT73 and subcombinations, which have not been authorised previously (i.e. MS8 × GT73 and RF3 × GT73) independently of their origin, for food and feed uses, import and processing, with the exception of isolated seed protein for food, under Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003

“…Subsequently, transgenes must be transmitted through successive backcross generations or selfing, so that they become stabilised into the genome of the recipient (de Jong and Rong, ; Garnier et al., ). Because of these barriers (Luijten et al., ), reported incidences of hybrids and backcrosses with B. rapa were therefore found to be low in fields (Jørgensen et al., ; Norris et al., ; Warwick et al., ; Elling et al., ), or at ports, along roadsides, and riverbanks (Saji et al., ; Aono et al., , ; Yoshimura et al., ; Elling et al., ; Katsuta et al., ; Luijten et al., ).…”

“…Survival of oilseed rape outside cultivation areas is possible. Demographic studies and surveys have shown the ability of oilseed rape (B. napus) to establish self-perpetuating populations outside agricultural areas, mainly in seminatural and ruderal habitats in different countries (reviewed by Devos et al, 2012;Bauer-Panskus et al, 2013;COGEM, 2013;Hecht et al, 2014;Schulze et al, 2014;Katsuta et al, 2015;Busi and Powles, 2016;Nishizawa et al, 2016). oilseed rape is generally regarded as an opportunistic species, which can take advantage of disturbed sites (e.g.…”

Seed Production of Wild <i>Brassica juncea</i> on Riversides in Japan

“…By multiplying the cultivation ratio (97.5%) and the volume imported (2.4 million tons) together, approximately 2.2 million tons of GM B. napus are apparently being imported to Japan each year. GM B. napus derived from spilled seeds have been found over the years along roads around the oilseed import ports in Japan (Katsuta et al 2015).…”

Assessment of new scientific elements supporting the prolongation of prohibition of the placing on the market of genetically modified oilseed rape GT73 for food and feed purposes in Austria

“…EFSA considers that the dataset gathered by Pascher et al (2016) confirms and complements the current knowledge on the biology and population demographics of feral oilseed rape. Demographic studies and surveys performed in the EU or abroad have shown the ability of oilseed rape to establish self-perpetuating populations outside agricultural areas, mainly in semi-natural and ruderal habitats in different countries (reviewed by Devos et al, 2012;Bauer-Panskus et al, 2013;COGEM, 2013;Hecht et al, 2014;Schulze et al, 2014;Katsuta et al, 2015;Busi and Powles, 2016;Nishizawa et al, 2016).…”