Can transgenes move from crop fields to natural landscapes? This question has been bothering a section of Scientists and Non-Governmental Organisations for long. This, they argue, could adversely impact the biological diversity.

“Unexpected and unwanted transgene out-crossing and their spreading in native and indigenous crops has been observed in several cases in the last few years. Indigenous organisations, conservationists and regulators have been working on options to prevent such transgene spread,” organisers of a side event at the Convention on COP-MOP-6 (Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety), said.

Cynthia L Sagers of University of Arkansas (the US) has done a research on vast stretches of canola growing areas in North Dakota State.

“Are effects of GM crops limited to crop fields,” was a major focus of her study. Presenting the findings at the COP-MOP-6 on Tuesday, she found flow of herbicides (sprayed from aircraft) along the wind flow and away from the targeted crop area.

She called for efforts to limit release to species confined to cultivation and prohibit release when crops are sympatric with sexually-compatible relatives. She also called for close monitoring of transportation routes and funds to carry on basic research in crop-wild hybrids.

Anna Wegier of National Institute for Research in Agriculture, Forests and Livestock (INIFAP) of Mexico, pointed out that there are no biosafety measures that work for all species alike. Each of them would need a different set of measures.

“Any loss of genetic diversity is irreversible,” she warned.

>kurmanath.kanchi@thehindu.co.in

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