Special Issue Paper

Risks and consequences of gene flow from herbicide-resistant crops: canola (Brassica napus L) as a case study†

  1. Anne Légère*

Article first published online: 10 DEC 2004

DOI: 10.1002/ps.975

Issue

Pest Management Science

Pest Management Science

Special Issue: Herbicide-resistant Crops from Biotechnology

Volume 61, Issue 3, pages 292–300, March 2005

Additional Information

How to Cite

Légère, A. (2005), Risks and consequences of gene flow from herbicide-resistant crops: canola (Brassica napus L) as a case study. Pest Management Science, 61: 292–300. doi: 10.1002/ps.975

Author Information

  1. Soils and Crops Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 2560 boul Hochelaga, Sainte-Foy, QC, G1V 2J3, Canada

*Soils and Crops Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 2560 boul Hochelaga, Sainte-Foy, QC, G1V 2J3, Canada

  1. †

    Paper presented at the symposium ‘Herbicide-resistant crops from biotechnology: current and future status’, held by the Agrochemicals Division of the American Chemical Society at the 227th National Meeting, Anaheim, CA, 29–30 March, 2004, to mark the presentation of the International Award for Research in Agrochemicals to Dr Stephen O Duke

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 10 FEB 2005
  2. Article first published online: 10 DEC 2004
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 26 AUG 2004
  4. Manuscript Revised: 12 AUG 2004
  5. Manuscript Received: 15 APR 2004

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Keywords:

  • gene flow;
  • transgenic crop;
  • herbicide resistance;
  • canola;
  • oilseed rape;
  • Brassica napus

Abstract

Data from the literature and recent experiments with herbicide-resistant (HR) canola (Brassica napus L) repeatedly confirm that genes and transgenes will flow and hybrids will form if certain conditions are met. These include sympatry with a compatible relative (weedy, wild or crop), synchrony of flowering, successful fertilization and viable offspring. The chance of these events occurring is real; however, it is generally low and varies with species and circumstances. Plants of the same species (non-transgenic or with a different HR transgene) in neighbouring fields may inherit the new HR gene, potentially generating plants with single and multiple HR. For canola, seed losses at harvest and secondary dormancy ensures the persistence over time of the HR trait(s) in the seed bank, and the potential presence of crop volunteers in subsequent crops. Although canola has many wild/weedy relatives, the risk of gene flow is quite low for most of these species, except with Brassica rapa L. Introgression of genes and transgenes in B rapa populations occurs with apparently little or no fitness costs. Consequences of HR canola gene flow for the agro-ecosystem include contamination of seed lots, potentially more complex and costly control strategy, and limitations in cropping system design. Consequences for non-agricultural habitats may be minor but appear largely undocumented. For the Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Government of Canada, © Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada 2005. Published for SCI by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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