Microbial community analysis of the rhizosphere is one of many
approaches for evaluating the environmental impact of genetically
modified (GM) crops.

To elucidate the influence of GM and hybrid soybeans on the bacterial
community of the rhizosphere, this study used a beta-carotene-enhanced
transgenic soybean as the GM crop, modified from Kwangan soybean
(/Glycine max/(L.) Merrill), and a hybrid soybean line in which this GM
soybean line had been crossed with wild soybean (/Glycine soja/).

Bacterial community analysis indicated that compared to their
non-transgenic counterpart, there were no significant effects on the
rhizospheres of either the GM or hybrid soybeans.

The bacterial densities of the rhizosphere of hybrid and GM soybeans
were found to be within the range of those of non-GM soybeans. We found
no horizontal gene transfer from GM and hybrid soybeans to soil
rhizosphere microorganisms by PCR analysis.

Therefore, our results suggest that the impact of GM and hybrid soybeans
on the environment, especially on soil microorganisms, is insignificant.

Assessment of the effect on soil microbial communities of genetically
modified soybean and a hybrid from crossing with wild soybean |
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