Risk assessment of genetically modified crops in Ireland : investigations of pollen dispersal from oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) using molecular and pollen trapping techniques

Abstract

A risk assessment was carried out to help determine the extent of pollen flow from a crop of oilseed rape (OSR, Brassica napus L). The project aimed to develop a better understanding of the potential risks of gene flow from GM Brassica in Ireland by examining biotic (insect) and abiotic (wind) pollen dispersal over two seasons. A non-GM cultivar was used for this purpose and was assumed to have a similar pollen dispersal potential to GM cultivars Microscopic examination of pollen is inadequate for identification of Brassica pollen to the species or intraspecific level due to the similarity of different grains. Therefore, molecular markers were developed to differentiate cultivated B. napus types (subspecies, varieties and cultivars) from each other and from their wild relatives.