The release of genetically modified crops into the environment

Abstract

SummaryIn the past 6 years, the global area of commercially grown, genetically modified (GM) crops has increased more than 30-fold to over 52 million hectares. The number of countries involved has more than doubled. Especially in developing countries, the GM crop area is anticipated to increase rapidly in the coming years. Despite this high adoption rate and future promises, there is a multitude of concerns about the impact of GM crops on the environment. Regulatory approaches in Europe and North America are essentially different. In the EU, it is based on the process of making GM crops; in the US, on the characteristics of the GM product. Many other countries are in the process of establishing regulation based on either system or a mixture. Despite these differences, the information required for risk assessment tends to be similar. Each risk assessment considers the possibility, probability and consequence of harm on a case-by-case basis. For GM crops, the impact of non-use should be added to this evaluation. It is important that the regulation of risk should not turn into the risk of regulation. The best and most appropriate baseline for comparison when performing risk assessment on GM crops is the impact of plants developed by traditional breeding. The latter is an integral and accepted part of agriculture.

Assessment of risk of insect-resistant transgenic crops to nontarget arthropods

“…In all cases, descriptions of plant characteristics, which are made with reference to plants that are generally regarded as environmentally 'acceptable' , are used to identify meaningful differences that may need to be addressed in the risk assessment. 2,8,15,16,18 . A 'meaningful difference' , in this context, refers to a substance or another attribute previously associated with effects that may be of environmental concern (e.g., an unintended increase in alkaloid levels in GM cotton plants modified to express a Cry protein could affect NTAs).…”

“…These include a range of arthropod species that fulfill important ecological functions such as biological control, pollination and decomposition. The potential for adverse effects of IRGM crops on these NTAs has been evaluated as part of the environmental risk assessment (ERA) process that takes place before the decision to cultivate these crops commercially 2,3 . The relative novelty of IRGM crops and the complexity and sophistication of ERA procedures present regulatory authorities with a challenge when they are required to develop appropriate risk assessment methodologies.…”

Intragenic vectors for gene transfer without foreign DNA

“…There has been considerable concern, especially among the general public and politicians, about the use of GM crops in agriculture Nap et al 2003). A main underlying issue involves transfer of genes across very wide taxonomic boundaries (Macer et al 1991; Nuffield Council on Bioethics 1999).…”

Impact of Bt-transgenic rice (SHK601) on soil ecosystems in the rhizosphere during crop development

“…The potential risks of genetically modified (GM) plants to environmental and human health have become a public concern in recent years, due to the release of transgenic crop plants worldwide and their replacement of traditional crops (Nap et al 2003). The introduction of GM plants into agricultural ecosystems raised a number of questions, including the ecological impact on soil ecosystems.…”