Fitness of hybrids between rapeseed (Brassica napus) and wild Brassica rapa in natural habitats

  1. J. ALLAINGUILLAUME1,
  2. M. ALEXANDER2,
  3. J. M. BULLOCK2,
  4. M. SAUNDERS1,
  5. C. J. ALLENDER3,
  6. G. KING4,
  7. C. S. FORD1,
  8. M. J. WILKINSON1

Article first published online: 14 MAR 2006

DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-294X.2006.02856.x

Issue

Molecular Ecology

Molecular Ecology

Volume 15, Issue 4, pages 1175–1184, April 2006

Additional Information

How to Cite

ALLAINGUILLAUME, J., ALEXANDER, M., BULLOCK, J. M., SAUNDERS, M., ALLENDER, C. J., KING, G., FORD, C. S. and WILKINSON, M. J. (2006), Fitness of hybrids between rapeseed (Brassica napus) and wild Brassica rapa in natural habitats. Molecular Ecology, 15: 1175–1184. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-294X.2006.02856.x

Author Information

  1. 1

    School of Biological Sciences, Plant Science Laboratories, The University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6AS, UK,

  2. 2

    Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Winfrith Technology Centre, Dorchester, Dorset DT2 8ZD, UK,

  3. 3

    Warwick HRI, Wellesbourne, Warwick CV35 9EF, UK,

  4. 4

    Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 2JQ, UK

* Mike J. Wilkinson, Fax: (+ 44) (0)118 3788160; E-mail: m.j.wilkinson@reading.ac.uk

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 14 MAR 2006
  2. Article first published online: 14 MAR 2006
  3. Received 4 September 2005; revision received 3 November 2005; accepted 22 November 2005

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Keywords:

  • Brassica napus;
  • Brassica rapa;
  • fitness;
  • gene flow;
  • genetically modified crops;
  • wild relatives

Abstract

Fitness of hybrids between genetically modified (GM) crops and wild relatives influences the likelihood of ecological harm. We measured fitness components in spontaneous (non-GM) rapeseed × Brassica rapa hybrids in natural populations. The F1 hybrids yielded 46.9% seed output of B. rapa, were 16.9% as effective as males on B. rapa and exhibited increased self-pollination. Assuming 100% GM rapeseed cultivation, we conservatively predict < 7000 second-generation transgenic hybrids annually in the United Kingdom (i.e. ∼20% of F1 hybrids). Conversely, whilst reduced hybrid fitness improves feasibility of bio-containment, stage projection matrices suggests broad scope for some transgenes to offset this effect by enhancing fitness.

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