Impact/Purpose:

This research will develop new methods and models to track, measure and predict potential unintended ecological effects of gene flow from genetically modified (GM) crops. Gene flow will be measured from GM crops to compatible plants in non-agronomic and agronomic ecosystems. The methods and models are expected to meet the needs of the Office of Pesticide Programs, Office of Pesticides and Toxics, and Regional Offices, re: facilitating registration requests for new plant biotechnology products to be used in agricultural pest control or other environmental applications e.g., for remediation, as biosensors, or for production of specialty chemicals They also are expected to be useful as molecular based diagnostic, sampling and modeling methods that may assist Agency and other federal enforcement and compliance activities.

Description:

The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Government Performance Results Act (GPRA, goal number four for Safe Communities), constitute the statutory authority and strategic framework respectively, for Agency research on non-target effects of pesticides. Unlike chemicals, biologicals such as plants can grow and reproduce, resulting in greater potential for spread beyond intended cropping areas. Plant Incorporated Protectants (PIPs) are regulated under FIFRA; PIPs include DNA and protein in engineered plants that can confer tolerance to herbicides, insects, and disease pests. Pollen from transgenic crops may hybridize with other related crops or weeds, potentially conferring resistance to crop- crop or crop-weed hybrids, making their subsequent control problematic. If fertile, the resultant hybrids and their subsequent generations can produce seed which may result in continued persistence and spread beyond the confines of the original intended agronomic fields. Potential impacts of the competitive ability, spread and persistence of crop-weed hybrids that possess traits such as insect, disease or other types of stress tolerance on plant community composition will be examined by empirical and modeling approaches. The specific scientific questions being addressed by the research include (a) detection and quantification of gene flow or hybridization between GM crops and compatible crop and non-crop species (b) determination of the persistence and spread of hybrids formed between GM crops and non-crop species and (c) determination and modeling of the potential impacts of GM crop/non-crop hybrids on plant community structure and habitat quality, particularly in non-agronomic ecosystems. Studies of gene flow and effects are being conducted in large-scale field experiments, mesocosms, and greenhouses. Specific outputs of our research which will assist Agency regulatory efforts include protocols to track, monitor and model gene flow and its potential ecological effects on plant communities.

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