A recent study by Warrick has confirmed that genetically modified
Ready Roundup (RR) Brassica can escape and outcross with wild relatives. The
study conducted in Canada with GE RR Canola (Brassica napus) and the weedy
relative Wild Mustard (Brassica rapa).
Scientists reported that the RR Canola transgene outcrossed readily
and persisted in the weedy mustard relative and was passed on to further
generations. This supports earlier findings in England that outcrossing is
very common in brassica species.

The findings add to concerns about the risks of GE brassica being
developed and trialled by Crop and Food Research in New Zealand. Brassica is
the name given to plants belonging to the Cabbage family from cauliflower,
broccoli, to turnips and forage kale. Brassica are highly promiscuous and
readily transfer genes between plant relatives.

The study was carried out over 6 years and found that the transgene
was stably integrated into the weedy descendants over that time. However,
the transgenic Brassica plants had reduced male fertility and reduced pollen
viability.

One FI GM hybrid plant still produced 480 seeds of which 22 carried
the transgene. The plants persisted regardless of Roundup spraying and
fitness costs associated with selection pressure.

?This transgenic escape into wild weedy relatives supports concerns
that GE brassica are a threat here," said Claire Bleakley of GE Free (NZ) in
food and environment ?Once released out of laboratory containment, GM pollen
will spread to other brassica species both weedy and food plants,
contaminating the environment and food chain?.

?The worst part of this is the plants may contain mixtures of GM
insecticidal and herbicide resistant toxins that could affect pollinating
insects and the wider food chain and it will be the farmers, market
gardeners and Councils who will be liable for cleanup and compensation
costs.

GE Free (NZ) in food and environment believe that ERMA and Crop and
Food Research must look into the new information on the ability of
transgenes to outcross, integrate and survive in the wild under competitive
selection pressure.

There are no studies on human safety and if levels of toxins cannot be
controlled there may be long term health effects on animals and people. The
research is reason to re-assess their approval of the Bt GM Brassica trial.
[www.scoop.co.nz]