Will GM Rapeseed Cut the Mustard?

摘要

A nationwide assessment in the U.K. of the likelihood that an important crop, oilseed rape (Brassica napus), forms hybrids with its wild relative, Brassica rapa, is presented by Wilkinson et al. on page 457 of this issue. The authors draw on a combination of sources including population surveys, satellite imaging, pollen dispersal profiles, herbarium data, local floras, and other databases. Their study is a first step toward a more quantitative assessment of the risk of gene flow from transgenic plants into natural plant populations at the national level. Why is this important? Oilseed rape (canola) is a crop used for the production of vegetable oil and diesel fuel. The pressed seed is also an important component of animal feed. Oilseed rape belongs to the Cruciferae, a family that includes cabbage, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, turnip, swede, radish, and mustard plants. Competition from weeds, especially grasses (see the figure), necessitates the use of herbicides when growing oilseed rape crops.