Modified genes from crops in a GM crop trial have transferred

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the implications of modified genes from genetically modified (GM) crops transferring to local wild plants, specifically focusing on the emergence of herbicide-resistant "superweeds." The conversation touches on the potential ecological and agricultural consequences of such gene transfer, as well as possible solutions to manage these resistant strains.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that modified genes from GM oilseed rape have transferred to charlock, creating a herbicide-resistant strain, which was previously thought to be unlikely.
  • Another participant highlights that the frequency of such cross-fertilization events is generally low and questions the viability of the hybrid charlock, as seeds collected did not germinate.
  • Concerns are raised about the potential for horizontal gene transfer to lead to the emergence of fertile hybrid weeds, which could undermine the benefits of herbicide-resistant crops.
  • There is a discussion about the broader issue of herbicide resistance, noting that it can occur with both GM and conventional crops due to natural selection.
  • Participants inquire about methods to exterminate any viable hybrid weed strains that may arise, suggesting the need for alternative herbicides.
  • One participant brings up Kudzu as a previous example of a superweed and asks about recent developments in managing it.
  • Humorous responses are made regarding the suggestion of using illegal immigrants to manually remove the weeds, indicating a lighter tone amidst the serious discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of concern regarding the implications of gene transfer and the potential emergence of resistant weeds. There is no consensus on the likelihood of viable hybrids appearing or the best methods for managing them.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects uncertainty about the viability of hybrid plants and the implications of horizontal gene transfer, as well as the effectiveness of different herbicides in managing resistant strains.

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Something I recently discovered


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Modified genes from crops in a GM crop trial have transferred into local wild plants, creating a form of herbicide-resistant "superweed", the Guardian can reveal.

The cross-fertilisation between GM oilseed rape, a brassica, and a distantly related plant, charlock, had been discounted as virtually impossible by scientists with the environment department. It was found during a follow up to the government's three-year trials of GM crops which ended two years ago.

The new form of charlock was growing among many others in a field which had been used to grow GM rape. When scientists treated it with lethal herbicide it showed no ill-effects.

Unlike the results of the original trials, which were the subject of large-scale press briefings from scientists, the discovery of hybrid plants that could cause a serious problem to farmers has not been announced.

So in some cases it appears that crosspollination between roundup ready gmo crops and some types of weeds has been happening. So other than sending out hordes of illegal immigrants with hoes to dug them all out, what possible solutions are there for this problem?
 
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From the article:

he frequency of such an event [the cross-fertilisation of charlock] in the field is likely to be very low, as highlighted by the fact it has never been detected in numerous previous assessments.

What is not clear in the English case is whether the charlock was fertile. Scientists collected eight seeds from the plant but they failed to germinate them and concluded the plant was "not viable".

Horizontal gene transfer between species is a rare event. Hybrid between different species are generally sterile and cannot breed, as seems to be the case here. However, when widely used, the probability of rare events such as these increase and it becomes more likely that a fertile hybrid will emerge and produce a resistant strain of weed. This is a serious concern that should be monitored and studied further, so that these resistant weeds do not eliminate many of the economic and environmental benefits of using herbicide-resistant crops.

Resistance, however, is also an issue whenever herbicides and pesticides are used, whether on GM or conventional crops. For example, in the US the prevalent use of glyphosate herbicides has led to the evolution of resistant weed strains thorough natural selection (see http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/04/business/energy-environment/04weed.htm ), just as drug-resistant forms of bacteria and viruses emerge when we use drugs to combat them. So, one issue that needs to be studied is whether horizontal gene transfer will be expected to accelerate the emergence of herbicide resistant weeds. If natural selection leads to the development of resistant weeds just as fast or faster than rare crossbreeding between the crops and weeds, then it is not as big of a concern.
 
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Ok, so if a viable hybrid weed strain does somehow appear, how can we exterminate them?
 


You'd have to use a different type of herbicide.
 


Maybe this is OT, but Kudzu is/was considered a superweed a few years ago- there were a few proposed ideas to deal with it. Does anyone know any recent work?
 


""-So other than sending out hordes of illegal immigrants with hoes to dug them all out, what possible solutions are there for this problem?-""

""Ok, so if a viable hybrid weed strain does somehow appear, how can we exterminate them?"""

Send in the ho's!..;)
 


""-So other than sending out hordes of illegal immigrants with hoes to dug them all out, what possible solutions are there for this problem?-""

""Ok, so if a viable hybrid weed strain does somehow appear, how can we exterminate them?"""

Send in the ho's!..;)