Ongoing ecological and evolutionary consequences by the presence of transgenes in a wild cotton population

AbstractAfter 25 years of genetically modified cotton cultivation in Mexico, gene flow between transgenic individuals and their wild relatives represents an opportunity for analysing the impacts of the presence of novel genes in ecological and evolutionary processes in natural conditions. We show comprehensive empirical evidence on the physiological, metabolic, and ecological effects of transgene introgression in wild cotton, Gossypium hirsutum. We report that the expression of both the cry and cp4-epsps genes in wild cotton under natural conditions altered extrafloral nectar inducibility and thus, its association with different ant species: the dominance of the defensive species Camponotus planatus in Bt plants, the presence of cp4-epsps without defence role of Monomorium ebeninum ants, and of the invasive species Paratrechina longicornis in wild plants without transgenes. Moreover, we found an increase in herbivore damage to cp4-epsps plants. Our results reveal the influence of transgene expression on native ecological interactions. These findings can be useful in the design of risk assessment methodologies for genetically modified organisms and the in situ conservation of G. hirsutum metapopulations.

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Consequences of Biotechnology Policy for Competitiveness and Trade of Southern U.S. Agriculture

Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics ◽

10.1017/s1074070800006866 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 37 (2) ◽

pp. 393-407 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Curtis Jolly ◽

Kenrett Y. Jefferson-Moore ◽

Greg Traxler

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Comparative Advantage ◽

Genetically Modified Organisms ◽

Genetically Modified ◽

The United States ◽

Export Market ◽

Gm Crops ◽

Southern States ◽

Genetically Modified Cotton ◽

Biotechnology Crops

The effect of policy decisions on the competitiveness of genetically modified (GM) crops was examined. The United States has been an early innovator in the development and use of biotechnology crops and has expanded its export market share of the three major GM crops: soybeans, cotton, and corn. Cotton, soybeans, and corn are all grown in the southern states, but these states have an apparent comparative advantage only in the production of cotton, which may be strengthened with the adoption of genetically modified cotton. The influence of biotechnology on the competitiveness of soybeans and corn for the southern states through the introduction of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is not clear but is probably negligible.

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Potential Transference of CP4 EPSPS to Weed Species from Genetically Modified Gossypium hirsutum in Northern Mexico

Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca ◽

10.15835/nbha47111298 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 47 (2) ◽

pp. 294-299

Author(s):

Amada TORRES ◽

Juan José REYES-PÉREZ ◽

Cándido MÁRQUEZ-HERNÁNDEZ ◽

Josué ESTRADA-ARELLANO ◽

Juan Ramón ESPARZA-RIVERA ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gene Flow ◽

Gossypium Hirsutum ◽

Genetically Modified ◽

Genetically Modified Crops ◽

Wild Plant ◽

Weed Species ◽

Genetically Modified Cotton ◽

Biological Target ◽

Cp4 Epsps ◽

Herbicide Glyphosate

The family of enzymes 5-enolpiruvil shikimato-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) is found in plants and microorganisms. The substrates of this enzyme are phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) and 3-phospho-shikimate and their products are phosphate and 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate that is the biological target of the herbicide glyphosate, which is used in genetically modified crops. The interaction between cultivated genetically modified plants (GMP) and wild plant species could be a transference source of transgenes. Presence of transgenes could be cause and adverse environmental impact on non-target organisms. Gossypium hirsutum genotype Bollgard II® is a GMP with tolerance to herbicide glyphosate and it has been cultivated during 20 years in Mexico and the possibility to gene flow primary in congeners of the Malvaceae family is possible. The objective of this study was to quantify and identify weed species associated to genetically modified cotton fields and to detect the present of glyphosate-insensitive EPSP synthases (CP4 EPSPS) in these species. The results showed that plants of the families Amaranthaceae, Asteraceae, Boraginaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Convolvulaceae, Fabaceae, Malvaceae, Poaceae, Portulacaceae, Solanaceae and Zygophyllaceae are present in the study site. Twenty-five weed species belonging to these botanical families were collected and identified in the site. From these, two species of the Malvaceae family with potential risk of gene flow plants, Anoda cristata and Sida hederacea were identified in the site; however, the CP4 EPSPS protein was not detected in none of the collected weed species and only the GM genotype Bollgard II® was positive to the CP4 EPSPS protein in the study site.

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GENETICALLY MODIFIED AGRIFOOD TRADE: NECESSITY OR CONCERNS?

Jurnal Social Economic of Agriculture ◽

10.26418/j.sea.v2i1.5114 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Nurliza Nurliza

Keyword(s):

Nutritional Value ◽

Genetically Modified Organisms ◽

Genetically Modified ◽

New Technology ◽

Food Prices ◽

Environmental Damage ◽

Food Markets ◽

Ethical Concerns ◽

Genetically Modified Cotton ◽

Potential Risks

Genetically modified agri-foods are genetically modified using biotechnology. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) advantages are the focus of much attention in world food markets. Genetically modified crop technology is claimed also to have great potential for the worlds farmers and ultimately consumers, following initial success with genetically modified cotton varieties. Benefits for farmers could include greater productivity and less occupational health and environmental damage (e.g., fewer pesticides), while benefits to consumers include lower food prices and, potentially, enhanced attributes. Common genetically modified agri-foods include maize, soybeans, oilseed rape (canola), chicory, squash, potatoes, pineapples and strawberries. Genetically modified agri-foods are designed for greater resistance to pests and viruses, higher nutritional value and longer shelf life. However, their safety, potential risks and ethical concerns are still being debated. Laws to regulate labeling of genetically modified agri-foods vary. The public's perception of the risk of new technology is critical to its acceptance. Perception of risk, in turn, depends on the credibility of the source of the information and trust in the regulatory process. Keyword: Genetically modified agri-food, trade, concerns, necessity

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