<![CDATA[Grist - Comment Feed for Cataloging the unintended consequences and effects of gene tinkering]]> Grist Comment Feed en Comment #1 by Erik Hoffner http://www.grist.org/article/GMOs-On-nontarget/ Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:37:53 -0800 http://www.grist.org/article/GMOs-On-nontarget/1 bent grass

Here's a meaty eg of what's in this database, the first entry under the envi effects of GMOs section:

Manipulated Organism: Creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.).

Inserted Transgenes and Target Effect: CP4 EPSPS gene derived from the common soil bacterium Agrobacterium sp. (strain CP4) to convey resistance to the herbicide glyphosate. The gene was fused to the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV-35S) promoter so that the gene would be expressed in all parts of the plant. Creeping bentgrass is a widely used golf course grass. Monsanto and Scotts Company developed the herbicide-resistant variety with this market in mind.

Results of these Studies: The transgene escaped into the wild by seeds (which are very small and light - about 13,500 seeds weigh one gram) and by pollen.

Watrud et al. (2004) found that the herbicide-resistance transgene spread via pollen to an area up to 21 km (13 miles) beyond the control area perimeter and had pollinated wild creeping bentgrass as well as a close relative (redtop, Agrostis gigantean). 53% of the creeping bentgrass plants investigated had offspring that were herbicide-resistant; most of these plants were found in a 2.1 km (1.3 mi.) area outside and downwind of the control area.

The Orion Grassroots Network: supporting grassroots groups working for conservation, justice, & more

]]> bent grass

Here's a meaty eg of what's in this database, the first entry under the envi effects of GMOs section:

Manipulated Organism: Creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.).

Inserted Transgenes and Target Effect: CP4 EPSPS gene derived from the common soil bacterium Agrobacterium sp. (strain CP4) to convey resistance to the herbicide glyphosate. The gene was fused to the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV-35S) promoter so that the gene would be expressed in all parts of the plant. Creeping bentgrass is a widely used golf course grass. Monsanto and Scotts Company developed the herbicide-resistant variety with this market in mind.

Results of these Studies: The transgene escaped into the wild by seeds (which are very small and light - about 13,500 seeds weigh one gram) and by pollen.

Watrud et al. (2004) found that the herbicide-resistance transgene spread via pollen to an area up to 21 km (13 miles) beyond the control area perimeter and had pollinated wild creeping bentgrass as well as a close relative (redtop, Agrostis gigantean). 53% of the creeping bentgrass plants investigated had offspring that were herbicide-resistant; most of these plants were found in a 2.1 km (1.3 mi.) area outside and downwind of the control area.

The Orion Grassroots Network: supporting grassroots groups working for conservation, justice, & more

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