INSERT INTO `bibliography_bibliography_i18n` (`id`, `title`, `abstract`, `locale`) VALUES
(3574, 'Knowledge and acceptance of genetically modified foodstuffs in Hungary', 'The safety evaluation of genetically modified (GM) foodstuffs is a highlighted research topic. European consumers are cautious with GM plants, their release into the environment and the consumption of GM foods. Technological changes and achievements are more and more difficult to be understood and thought to bring additional risks into consumers’ life. Consumers perceive risks on a different way than experts. This article summarises results of two surveys, carried on between 2003 and 2005. In first survey 556 respondents were involved focusing on food safety than 1000 respondents were involved in the questioning survey intending to reveal consumers’ knowledge and opinion about GM products and techniques. The opinion of consumers and professionals about gene technology is mostly negative as far as 35% of the consumers can recall more negative than positive information about GM foodstuffs and 13% can recall only negative ones. Nevertheless even if Hungarian consumers predominantly refuse GM products this proportion is approximately the same as in Western-Europe. According to 73% of the respondents it is essential to indicate the GM content on the packaging. Consumers are not sufficiently aware of the concept of biotechnology and often misunderstand it. The results reflect the insufficient information level of the Hungarian consumer and the misunderstanding of biotechnology concept.', 'en_US'),
(3575, 'Establishing objective detection limits for the pepsin digestion assay used in the assessment of genetically modified foods', 'RATIONALE: Guidelines for assessing the potential allergenicity of genetically modified (GM) organisms recommend testing the digestibility of the introduced protein by pepsin. Previous studies detailed the digestion procedure but have not described a simple objective measurement of the extent of digestion nor evaluated the impact of variation in pepsin activity. METHODS: Samples of eight proteins were digested by pepsin at pH 1.2 and 2.0 using standard conditions (10,000 U of pepsin activity per mg test protein) as well as 5000 and 20,000 units per mg of test protein. An independent digestion assay of hemoglobin was used to verify pepsin activity for each assay. Digestion was stopped in timed samples between 0.5 and 60 min. Digestion samples and undigested protein (10% and 100%) were separated by SDS-PAGE. Residual stained protein bands were measured by image analysis. RESULTS: The differences in pH and pepsin concentration only had minor effects on digestion of intermediately stable proteins: concanavalin A, ovalbumin, and lysozyme, but not on rapidly digested or stable proteins. CONCLUSIONS: Verification of pepsin activity and measurement of an objective endpoint of digestion (e.g. (90%) should provide more comparable results for the safety assessment of novel food proteins. ', 'en_US'),
(3576, 'Investigating the influence of transgenic tobacco plants codifying a protease inhibitor on soil microbial community', 'Serine protease inhibitors (PIs) are involved in several physiological processes, such as regulation of endogenous proteinases and defence against phytophageous insects. Transgenic modifications have enhanced protease inhibitor expression to develop insect resistant cultivars in several important crops. The fate of protease inhibitors released from genetically engineered plants is an important issue because of possible inhibition of soil proteases and effects of the insecticidal protein and its codifying sequence on soil microorganisms. The persistence of transgenic sequence mustard trypsin inhibitor-2 in soil and its hypothetical acquisition by soil microorganisms by horizontal gene transfer and the effect of transgenic plant material on soil microbial community structure and soil protease activity were investigated. With the aim to simulate the effects of plant litter on soil microorganisms, a microcosm experimental model was used. Despite the persistence of transgenic DNA sequences, no recombination event was detected between plant DNA and soil bacteria; molecular analysis of bacterial community also showed no significant influence on the dominant members of the bacterial community and soil protease activity was not inhibited by the release of constitutively over-expressed protease inhibitor.\r\n\r\n', 'en_US'),
(3577, 'Adoption patterns of herbicide-tolerant soybeans in Argentina.', 'The adoption of herbicide-tolerant soybeans (HTS) in Argentina was a very rapid process, as HTS covered virtually all of the area under soybean cultivation less than 10 years after their introduction in 1996. In our analysis, we focus on the patterns of HTS adoption. Using a survey-based analysis, we compare early and late adopters in the subdivisions of Pergamino and Salto (in the northeast of the Argentinean province of Buenos Aires) with regard to their expectations related to HTS adoption, as well as the characteristics of the farm and farmers. Moreover, we analyze the role of seed companies in the adoption and diffusion processes. This study shows that the expectations of cost reduction and easier crop management were the main drivers for farmers in the adoption of HTS. Furthermore, our results suggest that seed companies played a major role in providing farmers with their first information on HTS and their role has been influential for the farmers’ adoption decisions.', 'en_US'),
(3578, 'Perceived consequences of herbicide-tolerant and insect-resistant crops on integrated pest management strategies in the western United States: Results of an online survey.', 'We conducted an online survey to assess the potential effects of herbicide-tolerant (HT) and insect-resistant (IR) crops on integrated pest management (IPM) practices in the Western United States For HT crops, participants perceived a decrease in several IPM practices, including crop and herbicide rotations and the combined use of multiple weed control strategies. The most serious potential consequences were considered to be a shift in weed species composition and development of herbicide-resistant weeds. For IR crops, respondents perceived a beneficial reduction in application of both broad-spectrum and selective insecticides. The most significant issues for IR crops were believed to be potential development of target pest resistance and difficulties with management of insect refuges. The survey results support the need for continued emphasis on comprehensive strategies in IPM education programs to prolong the usefulness of HT and IR crops.', 'en_US'),
(3579, 'Corn amylase: Improving the efficiency and environmental footprint of corn to ethanol through plant biotechnology.', 'Treatment of starch-based grain with an alpha-amylase enzyme is essential to convert available starch to fermentable sugars in the production of ethanol. In an effort to improve the efficiencies of corn-based ethanol production, Syngenta has developed a new variety of corn that expresses alpha-amylase directly in the seed endosperm. This technology represents a novel approach to improving ethanol production in a way that can be integrated smoothly into the existing infrastructure. Between October 2007 and December 2008, Syngenta, in collaboration with Western Plains Energy, LLC, of Oakley, Kansas, conducted a commercial-scale trial of Corn Amylase. The results of this trial confirmed many of the potential benefits identified in laboratory trials, which include significant reductions in the amount of natural gas, electricity, water, and microbial alpha-amylase required to produce a gallon of ethanol. These savings are realized through the unique characteristics of Corn Amylase that enable ethanol producers to increase throughput at the plant without the typical tradeoff of losing conversion yield. Corn Amylase, therefore, will reduce the demand for natural resources, the consumption of fossil fuels, and the emission of greenhouse gases. Corn Amylase will also reduce utility costs at the plant and improve the energy balance (compared to ethanol produced from conventional corn).', 'en_US'),
(3580, 'Impact of intellectual property rights in the seed sector on crop yield growth and social welfare: A case study approach.', 'A case-study approach is used to track research funding decisions made by the private seed sector. The three cases chosen provide a range of intellectual property protection (IPP) environments, crops, and companies, namely, (1) wheat in the United States and the European Union, (2) rootworm-resistant corn, and (3) hybrid tomatoes. The analysis suggests that IPP for US wheat is weak because growers are allowed to save seed and because breeders are responsible for the costs—both transactional and reputational—associated with enforcing those IPP rights that do exist. IPP in processed tomatoes is higher than in wheat because all processing tomatoes are now hybrids. However, the possibility that protected tomato varieties could be asexually reproduced weakens IPP and the incentive for the private sector to fund the basic research that might lead to high-value varieties. IPP in the US corn market is strong, and as a result, the private sector dominates in all aspects of the research process.', 'en_US'),
(3581, 'Bt cotton in India: Development of benefits and the role of government seed price interventions.', 'While previous research has analyzed the impacts of Bt cotton in India, most available studies are based only on one or two years of data. We analyze the technology\\''s performance over the first five years of adoption, using panel data with three rounds of observations. On average, Bt-adopting farmers realize pesticide reductions of roughly 40%, and yield advantages of 30-40%. Profit gains are at a magnitude of US $60 per acre. These benefits have been sustainable over time. Farmers\\'' satisfaction is reflected in a high willingness to pay for Bt seeds. Nonetheless, in 2006 Indian state governments decided to establish price caps at levels much lower than what companies had charged before. This intervention has further increased farmers\\'' profits, but the impact on aggregate Bt adoption was relatively small. Price controls might have negative long-term implications, as they can severely hamper private sector incentives to invest in new technologies.', 'en_US'),
(3582, 'Ex-ante impact assessment of GM papaya adoption in Thailand.', 'Despite the evidence of benefits from GM papaya\\''s adoption in other countries, concerns over the loss of export markets and health and environmental risks have led to great uncertainty and indecision about policies to support biotechnology in Thailand. Since 2001, field trials have been banned and the use of transgenic plants for production, consumption, or commercialization has been prohibited. Field trials in government fields were reinstated in December 2007, but agricultural biotechnology policies remain unclear. This article estimates what the economic impact of the adoption of GM papaya would be if Thailand were to authorize the use of GM technology. We estimate that total economic surplus in the range of $650 million to $1.5 billion USD would be generated within the first 10 years of adoption. These benefits would accrue primarily to small-scale papaya farmers and would accrue even with the loss of export markets.', 'en_US'),
(3583, 'The role of coordination and cooperation in early adoption of GM crops: The case of Bt maize in Brandenburg, Germany.', 'Since 2006, several varieties of transgenic Bt maize have been approved for commercial cultivation in Germany. The German regulatory framework for growing these crops comprises moderate ex-ante regulations as well as strict ex-post liability rules to protect conventional and organic farming from possible economic damages caused by transgenic plants and to ensure coexistence. These regulations, however, impose additional costs on those farmers who intend to plant Bt maize. This article addresses the question of how Bt maize-growing farmers perceive the additional costs of regulation and whether coordination or cooperation takes place in order to diminish these costs. In 2006, the authors carried out a case study in the Oderbruch region (Brandenburg, Germany) comprised of eight Bt maize farms and six adjacent non-Bt maize farms. The case study revealed that the costs arising from ex-ante regulations and ex-post liability were only of minor importance to the Bt maize-growing farmers. The predominantly large farms chose intra-farm coordination to manage the construction of buffer zones within their own fields and to avoid the planting of Bt maize close to their neighbors. Inter-farm coordination or cooperation with adjacent farmers was not regarded as necessary to achieve coexistence.', 'en_US'),
(3584, 'Coping with ex-ante regulations for planting BT maize: The Portuguese experience.', 'This article investigates the attitude and practices of Bt and non-Bt maize farmers in Portugal. Thirty-seven Bt maize farmers were interviewed, representing 22.5% of the total number of Bt maize notifications in the country and 31.5% of the total area planted with Bt maize in 2007. Additionally, 66 non-Bt maize farmers were surveyed in an attempt to investigate their opinion on the Bt technology, its viability, and its future. The most interesting finding is that almost half of all the surveyed maize farmers stated that the ex-ante regulations are rigid and difficult to apply.', 'en_US'),
(3585, 'Biotechnology research in the CGIAR: An overview.', 'The CGIAR is a strategic alliance of members, partners, and 15 international agricultural research centers that mobilizes science to benefit the poor. Agricultural research at the CGIAR Centers entails various technologies, including biotechnology, and the extent to which modern biotechnology is part of the overall research activity differs greatly from center to center. The mode of collaboration between centers and their national counterparts on such research projects also vary. Drawing examples from two in-house surveys as well as from the outcomes of a recent workshop, the article provides a synopsis of current biotech-related activities conducted in the CGIAR Centers and considers what the CGIAR\\''s role(s) might be in ensuring the safe and responsible use of biotechnology for conducting agricultural research that responds to the needs of developing countries.', 'en_US'),
(3586, 'Assessing the performance of GM maize amongst smallholders in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.', 'This study uses data for the 2006/07 maize production season, for the Hlabisa, Dumbe, and Simdlangentsha districts in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, to investigate the relative efficiencies of conventional, insect-resistant (Bt), and herbicide-tolerant (RR) maize grown by small-scale farmers. The article fits a stochastic efficiency frontier using maximum likelihood methods. The results show that both GM technologies have very little impact on efficiency and that the tillage system is an important determinant of efficiency levels. This is despite the fact that farmers who used RR seed had substantially higher yields. Higher expenditure on seed cancels out this gain in the efficiency estimates, and there is every reason to believe that these are the better farmers. Employment effects are also investigated, as the RR technology is intended to be labor saving. The results mostly serve to show how dangerous it is to make any inferences from small sample surveys in one production season.', 'en_US'),
(3587, 'Socio-economic considerations, Article 26.1 of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety: What are the issues and what is at stake?', 'The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety allows the possibility of including socio-economic considerations in biosafety regulatory approval processes and decision making for genetically modified products. Divergent opinions about the desirability of including socio-economic considerations have polarized the debate. For biosafety approval processes, assessment of socio-economic considerations will likely be before the fact, as the genetically modified product has not reached commercialization approval processes. This implies that there is a limited scope as to methods and approaches for assessments. To ensure that socio-economic assessments will not become an obstacle to the development and transfer of safe and efficacious products to farmers, all stakeholders need to understand clearly all regulations governing inclusion of socio-economic considerations. Furthermore, the decision-making process needs to clearly define decision-making rules and standards by which to guide approval processes.', 'en_US'),
(3588, 'An ex-ante evaluation of the economic impact of Bt cotton adoption by Spanish farmers facing the EU cotton sector reform.', 'Cotton production in the European Union (EU) is limited to areas of Greece and Southern Spain (Andalusia). The 2004 reform of the EU cotton policy severely affected the profitability of the crop. In this article we analyze how the introduction of genetically modified (GM), insect-resistant cotton varieties (Bt cotton) might help EU cotton farmers to increase profitability and therefore face the cotton policy reform. We first study farmers'' attitudes toward adoption of Bt cotton varieties through a survey conducted in Andalusia (Southern Spain). The results show a positive attitude of Andalusian cotton farmers toward the Bt cotton varieties. Second, we perform an ex-ante analysis of the effects of introducing Bt cotton in Andalusia. Finally, we integrate the analysis of the effects of Bt cotton with the analysis of the EU cotton reform. Our results show that despite the significant economic benefits of Bt cotton, the current policy reform is likely to jeopardize the profitability of cotton production in the EU.', 'en_US'),
(3589, 'Does biotech labeling affect consumers'' purchasing decisions? A case study of vegetable oils in Nanjing, China.', 'This study analyzes whether biotech labeling has an impact on consumers'' purchasing behavior in China using vegetable oils in Nanjing as a case study. An Almost Ideal Demand System (AIDS), which encompasses expenditure shares of individual edible oils, is developed and estimated by seemingly unrelated regression with theoretical constraints. The AIDS model is augmented by the top-level demand for all edible oils in the context of a two-stage budgeting approach. Results from the model based on retail scanning data suggest that biotech labeling induced only a modest switch in vegetable oils consumption away from labeled soybean and blended oils and toward non-biotech vegetable oils.', 'en_US'),
(3590, 'Performance of tissue-cultured sweet potatoes among smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe.', 'Tissue culture has the potential of improving the livelihoods of subsistence farmers that largely rely on vegetatively propagated crops. This study assesses the impact of growing tissue-cultured sweet potatoes on yields and economic profitability among smallholder farmers in the Hwedza District of Zimbabwe. A sample of 133 smallholder farmers was chosen using a multi-stage sampling process. Primary data was collected using structured and semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and direct-yield measurements. The results of the study showed that yields were 0.5 and 1.8 tons per hectare for households using unimproved and tissue-cultured sweet potatoes, respectively. The net economic return for tissue-cultured sweet potatoes was Z$3,605,000 (US$36.05) per hectare while a net loss of Z$9,157,500 (US$91.58) per hectare was observed for unimproved sweet potatoes. Farmers were also constrained by an inadequate supply of improved planting material. These findings suggest the need to increase the supply of tissue-cultured planting materials and to consolidate farmer knowledge on vegetative propagation in local community tissue culture laboratories. This will enhance the role of tissue culturing sweet potatoes in the attainment of household food security.', 'en_US'),
(3591, 'Current contribution of four biotechnologies to New Zealand’s primary sector.', 'This article presents research estimating the economic contribution made by the uptake of biotechnology in the primary sector of New Zealand. It focuses on the impact of four biotechnologies: clonal propagation/cell manipulation, bio-control agents, enzyme manipulations, and marker-assisted selection. Interviews with 59 key informants and secondary economic data were incorporated into a cost-benefit analysis to produce an estimated overall net impact of NZ$266 million per annum. This impact is spread unevenly through the primary sector and across biotechnologies.', 'en_US'),
(3592, 'The economic impacts of introducing Bt technology in smallholder cotton production systems of West Africa: A case study from Mali.', 'Africa has been slow to respond to biotechnology even as its pest management grows increasingly obsolete and insects remain a major adversary of its farming. Opponents of biotechnology cite concerns over the scientific boundaries and potential North-South domination that transgenic crops could bring. This paper reports on the positive aspects of introducing biotechnology in Africa. An economic model was developed to predict the economic impacts to consumers and producers from the introduction of Bt crops in the smallholder cotton farms of Mali. Since farmers rotate cotton and maize in three-year rotations, the analysis considered the introduction of both Bt cotton and Bt maize. Results from an economic model indicate that the potential economic impacts to West African consumers and producers would be significant, potentially reaching $89 million in an average year. For Bt cotton, the benefits would primarily accrue to producers. At a technology premium of $60 per hectare, where seed company revenue is maximized, Malian producer would capture 74% of the benefits and the seed company would capture the other 26%. The model found that the adoption of Bt maize was weaker than Bt cotton. If Malian maize producers were charged the same technology premium as South African producers, the model found that adoption would be less than 10%. The introduction of Bt maize in the region is likely to require complementary changes in maize markets and technology in order to boost profitability.', 'en_US'),
(3593, 'The long-run impact of corn-based ethanol on the grain, oilseed, and livestock sectors with implications for biotech crops.', 'The ongoing growth of corn–based ethanol production raises some fundamental questions about what impact continued growth will have on US and world agriculture. Estimates of the long–run potential for ethanol production can be made by calculating the corn price at which the incentive to expand ethanol production disappears. Under current ethanol tax policy, if the prices of crude oil, natural gas and distillers grains stay at current levels, then the break–even corn price is $4.05 per bushel. A multi–commodity, multi–country system of integrated commodity models is used to estimate the impacts if we ever get to $4.05 corn. At this price, corn–based ethanol production would reach 31.5 billion gallons per year. Supporting this level of production would require 95.6 million acres of corn to be planted. Total corn production would be approximately 15.6 billion bushels, compared to 11.0 billion bushels today. Most of the additional corn acres come from reduced soybean acreage. The demand for biotech corn varieties that allow for continuous corn production would increase dramatically as would the demand for corn, soybean, and wheat varieties that can be grown in marginal areas.', 'en_US'),
(3594, 'The cost of product development of Bt corn event MON810 in the Philippines.', 'The estimated total cost of developing Bt corn MON810 in the Philippines is $2.6 million (128 million Philippine pesos) at 2004 discounted prices. This includes the entire process of product development, from concept initiation done in the US in 1985 to implementation of post–commercial approval requirements in 2004. Lindahl pricing was employed to allocate the share of total relevant cost incurred in the US to the Philippines. Costs were converted into corresponding 2004–year equivalents and capitalized using literature–recommended values to reflect base–year real monetary value. The biggest costs were incurred in the conduct of post–commercial application activities followed by the 17 multi–location field trials across the country. Project spending was highest in 2002 when field trials and supporting studies were being completed and the product stewardship plan was being developed. The study discovered that two–thirds of total cost went into activities conducted in compliance and support of government regulatory requirements.', 'en_US'),
(3595, 'Bt cotton adoption in the United States and China: international trade and welfare effects.', 'Many studies report that Bt cotton has led to significant yield gains, reduced insecticide use, or both in different countries. With rare exception, these studies examine adoption in one region in isolation from adoption in others. This article summarizes the global impacts of Bt cotton adoption in the United States and China based on results from a three-region model of the world cotton market. In 2001, adoption of Bt cot-ton in China and the United States increased world cotton production by 0.7% and reduced the world cotton price by 1.4 cents per pound. Global economic benefits were $836 million. Consumer surplus increased $63 million. Chinese producers gained by $428 million and US producers by $179 million. The fall in world price reduced rest-of-world (ROW) producer surplus by $349 million. Net rest-of-world benefits were $69 million, however, because purchaser gains outweighed producer losses.', 'en_US'),
(3596, 'Who adopts what kind of technologies? The case of Bt eggplant in India.', 'The public-private partnership involved in the development of Bt eggplant in India is unique in the context of developing countries, where poor farmers'' access to technology is limited. The key questions arising in this context are: Who adopts what kind of technology? What are the factors influencing their decisions? We answer these questions using data from a farm-level survey conducted in Maharashtra, India. Our results indicate that factors influencing hybrid adoption exert similar effects on the expected adoption of Bt hybrid eggplant and opposite effects on the decision to adopt Bt open-pollinated varieties (OPV). Even though some farmers who decided to grow Bt hybrid eggplant might switch to Bt OPVs when available, most of the early adopters of Bt hybrid would continue to grow Bt hybrid eggplant. Thus, our study gives initial empirical evidence on the economic feasibility of the public-private partnership in the research and development of Bt eggplant in India.', 'en_US'),
(3597, 'Potential regional trade implications of adopting Bt cowpea in west and central Africa.', 'This paper used a spatial and temporal price equilibrium model to assess the potential impacts of farmers in West and Central Africa adopting Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp). The results showed that regional cowpea prices would decrease, leading to increased regional demand and increased supply only in adopting countries. Total cowpea traded and regional welfare would increase, but producers in nonadopting countries would lose. The results thus emphasize regional adoption of any Bt cowpea and suggest that policy makers devise ways of ensuring equitable distribution of benefits.', 'en_US'),
(3598, 'Mobilizing science and technology for development: The case of the Cassava Biotechnology Network (CBN).', 'Cassava is regarded as the crop of last resort for millions of marginal farmers and their domestic animals in tropical regions. The Cassava Biotechnology Network (CBN) is addressing the major socioeconomic and agronomic challenges of this orphan crop by bundling the scarce resources available and uniting the major stakeholders involved in cassava breeding, production, marketing, and consumption worldwide. Based on a small expert survey, this article investigates the importance of the problems in cassava agriculture and the approaches considered to be most effective in addressing them. The author concludes that the CBN represents an innovative, demand-oriented and multistakeholder-driven crop research network that is able to effectively address the challenges in cassava agriculture that were perceived to be most important in the survey. Its innovations could be of particular benefit to Central Africa—a region that is highly vulnerable to starvation and malnutrition and relies mostly on cassava as the main staple food. However, in order to make it happen, some major institutional bottlenecks need to be addressed in the international agricultural research system.', 'en_US'),
(3599, 'Three seasons of subsistence insect-resistant maize in South Africa: Have smallholders benefited?', 'White maize is the staple food of the majority of the South African population. We examine if smallholder farmers that adopted insect-resistant (Bt) varieties of white maize benefited from planting Bt over the last three seasons. Commercial farmers are known to benefit from planting Bt maize in high stalk borer or corn borer infestation years, but when planted in locations or years when stalk borers are not a problem, Bt will usually not be profitable because of higher seed costs. In the first two production seasons, small farmers enjoyed higher yields with Bt maize than with conventional hybrid varieties despite lower-than-normal (yet still significant) stalk borer pressure and less-than-ideal maize production conditions. Yield is expressed according to grain per kilogram of seed planted, as seeding rates per land area differ drastically between small-scale farmers. The value of the yield benefit depended on how the farmer utilized the additional grain, with the highest valued use being home grinding and consumption substituting for more expensive store purchases. In the third season, which was also the fourth consecutive drier-than-usual season, the stalk borer infestation level was very low, and farmers who planted Bt maize had yields similar to farmers who planted conventional hybrids.', 'en_US'),
(3600, 'Will agbiotech applications reach marginalized farmers? Evidence from developing countries.', 'Findings from two studies on agricultural research indicate that although developing countries invest in agricultural biotechnology and genetically modified crop research, their policy and investment environments inhibit the contribution of such research to agricultural development and poverty reduction. Findings suggest that valuable private-sector resources are not being brought to bear on the development challenge, thus slowing the pace of innovation. For such research to benefit developing countries, greater effort is needed to enhance the international exchange of safety and efficacy information, remove the isolation of public research institutions, and overcome barriers to public-private research collaboration.', 'en_US'),
(3601, 'Spillovers and crowding effects in a mixed biotech industry: The case of canola.', 'This paper develops empirical models to estimate both interfirm research spillovers and crowding effects in the canola crop research industry. The potential sources of spillover include basic research, human capital/knowledge (as measured through other-firm expenditures), and genetics (as measured through yields of other firms). The model used to examine spillover effects on research productivity provides evidence that there are many positive interfirm nonpecuniary research spillovers, which is consistent with a research clustering effect. The second model, which uses additional data on firm revenue to estimate crowding effects, shows that although private firms tend to crowd one another, public-firm expenditure on basic and applied research creates a &quot;crowding-in&quot; effect for private firms. This model also shows that enhanced intellectual property rights have increased the revenues of private firms.', 'en_US'),
(3602, 'Regulation of the seasonal population patterns of Helicoverpa armigera moths by Bt cotton planting.', 'Transgenic cotton expressing the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Cry1Ac toxin has been commercially cultivated in China since 1997, and by 2000 Bt cotton had almost completely replaced non-transgenic cotton cultivars. To evaluate the impact of Bt cotton planting on the seasonal population patterns of cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera, the dynamics of H. armigera moths were monitored with light traps from four locations (Xiajin, Linqing and Dingtao of Shandong Province; Guantao of Hebei Province) in high Bt density region and five locations (Anci and Xinji of Hebei Province; Dancheng and Fengqiu of Henan Province; Gaomi of Shandong Province) in low Bt density region from 1996 to 2008. A negative correlation was found between moth densities of H. armigera and the planting years of Bt cotton in both high and low Bt density areas. These data indicate that the moth population density of H. armigera was reduced with the introduction of Bt cotton in northern China. Three generations of moths occurred between early June and late September in the cotton regions. Interestingly, second-generation moths decreased and seemed to vanish in recent years in high Bt density region, but this tendency was not found in low Bt density region. The data suggest that the planting of Bt cotton in high Bt density region was effective in controlling the population density of second-generation moths. Furthermore, the seasonal change of moth patterns associated with Bt cotton planting may regulate the regional occurrence and population development of this migratory insect.', 'en_US'),
(3603, 'Environmental risk assessments for transgenic crops producing output trait enzymes.', 'The environmental risks from cultivating crops producing output trait enzymes can be rigorously assessed by testing conservative risk hypotheses of no harm to endpoints such as the abundance of wildlife, crop yield and the rate of degradation of crop residues in soil. These hypotheses can be tested with data from many sources, including evaluations of the agronomic performance and nutritional quality of the crop made during product development, and information from the scientific literature on the mode-of-action, taxonomic distribution and environmental fate of the enzyme. Few, if any, specific ecotoxicology or environmental fate studies are needed. The effective use of existing data means that regulatory decision-making, to which an environmental risk assessment provides essential information, is not unnecessarily complicated by evaluation of large amounts of new data that provide negligible improvement in the characterization of risk, and that may delay environmental benefits offered by transgenic crops containing output trait enzymes.', 'en_US'),
(3604, 'Degradation of Cry1Ab protein from genetically modified maize (MON810) in relation to total dietary feed proteins in dairy cow digestion.', 'To investigate the relative degradation and fragmentation pattern of the recombinant Cry1Ab protein from genetically modified (GM) maize MON810 throughout the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of dairy cows, a 25 months GM maize feeding study was conducted on 36 lactating Bavarian Fleckvieh cows allocated into two groups (18 cows per group) fed diets containing either GM maize MON810 or nearly isogenic non-GM maize as the respective diet components. All cows were fed a partial total mixed ration (pTMR). During the feeding trial, 8 feed (4 transgenic (T) and 4 non-transgenic (NT) pTMR) and 42 feces (26 T and 18 NT) samples from the subset of cows fed T and NT diets, and at the end of the feeding trial, digesta contents of rumen, abomasum, small intestine, large intestine and cecum were collected after the slaughter of six cows of each feeding group. Samples were analyzed for Cry1Ab protein and total protein using Cry1Ab specific ELISA and bicinchoninic acid assay, respectively. Immunoblot analyses were performed to evaluate the integrity of Cry1Ab protein in feed, digesta and feces samples. A decrease to 44% in Cry1Ab protein concentration from T pTMR to the voided feces (9.40 versus 4.18 &amp;#956;g/g of total proteins) was recorded. Concentrations of Cry1Ab protein in GIT digesta of cows fed T diets varied between the lowest 0.38 &amp;#956;g/g of total proteins in abomasum to the highest 3.84 &amp;#956;g/g of total proteins in rumen. Immunoblot analysis revealed the extensive degradation of recombinant Cry1Ab protein into a smaller fragment of around 34 kDa in GIT. The results of the present study indicate that the recombinant Cry1Ab protein from MON810 is increasingly degraded into a small fragment during dairy cow digestion.', 'en_US'),
(3605, '“Transgenesis, recent technical developments and applications” Nantes, 8th June 2009.', '', 'en_US'),
(3606, 'Critical evaluation of strategies for mineral fortification of staple food crops.', 'Staple food crops, in particular cereal grains, are poor sources of key mineral nutrients. As a result, the world’s poorest people, generally those subsisting on a monotonous cereal diet, are also those most vulnerable to mineral deficiency diseases. Various strategies have been proposed to deal with micronutrient deficiencies including the provision of mineral supplements, the fortification of processed food, the biofortification of crop plants at source with mineral-rich fertilizers and the implementation of breeding programs and genetic engineering approaches to generate mineral-rich varieties of staple crops. This review provides a critical comparison of the strategies that have been developed to address deficiencies in five key mineral nutrients—iodine, iron, zinc, calcium and selenium—and discusses the most recent advances in genetic engineering to increase mineral levels and bioavailability in our most important staple food crops.', 'en_US'),
(3607, 'Optimisation of contained Nicotiana tabacum cultivation for the production of recombinant protein pharmaceuticals.', 'Nicotiana tabacum is emerging as a crop of choice for production of recombinant protein pharmaceuticals. Although there is significant commercial expertise in tobacco farming, different cultivation practices are likely to be needed when the objective is to optimise protein expression, yield and extraction, rather than the traditional focus on biomass and alkaloid production. Moreover, pharmaceutical transgenic tobacco plants are likely to be grown initially within a controlled environment, the parameters for which have yet to be established. Here, the growth characteristics and functional recombinant protein yields for two separate transgenic tobacco plant lines were investigated. The impacts of temperature, day-length, compost nitrogen content, radiation and plant density were examined. Temperature was the only environmental variable to affect IgG concentration in the plants, with higher yields observed in plants grown at lower temperature. In contrast, temperature, supplementary radiation and plant density all affected the total soluble protein yield in the same plants. Transgenic plants expressing a second recombinant protein (cyanovirin-N) responded differently to IgG transgenic plants to elevated temperature, with an increase in cyanovirin-N concentration, although the effect of the environmental variables on total soluble protein yields was the same as the IgG plants. Planting density and radiation levels were important factors affecting variability of the two recombinant protein yields in transgenic plants. Phenotypic differences were observed between the two transgenic plant lines and non-transformed N. tabacum, but the effect of different growing conditions was consistent between the three lines. Temperature, day length, radiation intensity and planting density all had a significant impact on biomass production. Taken together, the data suggest that recombinant protein yield is not affected substantially by environmental factors other than growth temperature. Overall productivity is therefore correlated to biomass production, although other factors such as purification burden, extractability protein stability and quality also need to be considered in the optimal design of cultivation conditions.', 'en_US'),
(3608, 'Comparison between volatile emissions from transgenic apples and from two representative classically bred apple cultivars.', 'While most risk assessments contrast a transgenic resistant to its isogenic line, an additional comparison between the transgenic line and a classically bred cultivar with the same resistance gene would be highly desirable. Our approach was to compare headspace volatiles of transgenic scab resistant apple plants with two representative cultivars (the isogenic ‘Gala’ and the scab resistance gene-containing ‘Florina’). As modifications in volatile profiles have been shown to alter plant relationships with non-target insects, we analysed headspace volatiles from apple plants subjected to different infection types by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Marked differences were found between healthy and leafminer (Phyllonorycter blancardella) infested genotypes, where emissions between the transgenic scab resistant line and the two cultivars differed quantitatively in four terpenes and an aromatic compound. However, these modified odour emissions were in the range of variability of the emissions recorded for the two standard cultivars that proved to be crucial references.', 'en_US'),
(3609, 'Enhanced single copy integration events in corn via particle bombardment using low quantities of DNA.', 'Transgene copy number is an important criterion for determining the utility of transgenic events. Single copy integration events are highly desirable when the objective is to produce marker free plants through segregation or when it is necessary to introgress different transgenes into commercial cultivars from different transgenic events. In contrast multi-copy events are advocated by several authors for higher expression of the transgene. Till recently, it was thought that employment of the particle gun for transformation results in the production of a high proportion of multi-copy events often with complex integration pattern when compared to Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. However, it has been demonstrated that usage of cassette DNA for bombardment in place of whole plasmids would result in simple insertion pattern of the transgenes. While investigating the effect of varying the cassette DNA amount on stable transformation, the frequency of occurrence of low copy events was observed to increase when lower doses of cassette DNA was employed for bombardment. Large scale experimentation with rigorous statistical analysis performed to verify the above observations employing Helium gun and the Electric discharge gun for gene delivery confirmed the above observations. Helium gun experiments involving production of more than 1,600 corn events consistently yielded single copy events at higher frequencies at lower cassette DNA load (46% at 2.5 ng/shot) as compared to higher cassette DNA load (29% at 25 ng/shot) across 18 independent experiments. Results were nearly identical with the Electric discharge particle gun device where single copy events were recovered at frequencies of 54% at 2.5 ng cassettes DNA per shot as compared to 18% at 25 ng cassette DNA per shot. The transformation frequency declined from 41 to 34% (Helium gun) and from 48 to 31% (Electric discharge gun) with reduction in cassette DNA quantity from 25 to 2.5 ng per shot. This reduction in the transformation frequency is more than compensated by the savings in time and effort involved in the production and screening of events if the desired outcome is single copy events. These results demonstrate the flexibility of the particle gun method for controlling the frequency of production of either low copy or high copy events by altering the quantity of cassette DNA used for bombardment. The transgene expression levels over generations in relation to its integration need further investigations.', 'en_US'),
(3610, 'Low crop plant population densities promote pollen-mediated gene flow in spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).', 'Transgenic wheat is currently being field tested with the intent of eventual commercialization. The development of wheat genotypes with novel traits has raised concerns regarding the presence of volunteer wheat populations and the role they may play in facilitating transgene movement. Here, we report the results of a field experiment that investigated the potential of spring wheat plant population density and crop height to minimize gene flow from a herbicide-resistant (HR) volunteer population to a non-HR crop. Pollen-mediated gene flow (PMGF) between the HR volunteer wheat population and four conventional spring wheat genotypes varying in height was assessed over a range of plant population densities. Natural hybridization events between the two cultivars were detected by phenotypically scoring plants in F1 populations followed by verification with Mendelian segregation ratios in the F1:2 families. PMGF was strongly associated with crop yield components, but showed no association with flowering synchrony. Maximum observed PMGF was always less than 0.6%, regardless of crop height and density. The frequency of PMGF in spring wheat decreased exponentially with increasing plant population density, but showed no dependence on either crop genotype or height. However, increasing plant densities beyond the recommended planting rate of 300 cropped wheat plants m&#8722;2 provided no obvious benefit to reducing PMGF. Nevertheless, our results demonstrate a critical plant density of 175–200 cropped wheat plants m&#8722;2 below which PMGF frequencies rise exponentially with decreasing plant density. These results will be useful in the development of mechanistic models and best management practices that collectively facilitate the coexistence of transgenic and nontransgenic wheat crops.', 'en_US'),
(3611, 'Safety assessment of leaf curl virus resistant tomato developed using viral derived sequences.', 'Genetic engineering of food crops has significantly influenced the agricultural productivity over the past two decades. It has proved a valuable tool, offering crops with higher yields, improved nutritional quality, resistance against pesticides, herbicides and tolerance against abiotic stresses. However, the safety assessment of genetically engineered (GE) crops is prerequisite before introduction into human food chain. The present study was aimed to assess the toxicity and allergenicity of leaf curl virus resistant GE tomato compared to its wild-type species. Balb/c mice fed with genetically engineered or wild-type tomato did not show significant differences in growth, body weight (P &gt; 0.05) and food consumption when compared with control mice. Values for serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, urea and cholesterol were comparable in GE and wild-type tomato fed mice. Mice immunized with GE or wild-type tomato extract showed low IgE response. Lung histology of ovalbumin fed mice showed bronchoconstriction with eosinophilic infiltration whereas GE or wild-type tomato showed no cellular infiltration with normal airways. Genetically engineered and wild-type tomato sensitized mice demonstrated similar IL-4 release in splenic cell culture supernatant. GE and wild tomato extract on ELISA showed comparable IgE binding (P &gt; 0.05) with food allergic patients’ sera. In conclusion, genetically engineered tomato showed no toxicity in mice and allergenicity is similar to the wild-type tomato.', 'en_US');
INSERT INTO `bibliography_bibliography_i18n` (`id`, `title`, `abstract`, `locale`) VALUES
(3612, 'Transgene-specific and event-specific molecular markers for characterization of transgenic papaya lines resistant to Papaya ringspot virus.', 'The commercially valuable transgenic papaya lines carrying the coat protein (CP) gene of Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) and conferring virus resistance have been developed in Hawaii and Taiwan in the past decade. Prompt and sensitive protocols for transgene-specific and event-specific detections are essential for traceability of these lines to fulfill regulatory requirement in EU and some Asian countries. Here, based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) approaches, we demonstrated different detection protocols for characterization of PRSV CP-transgenic papaya lines. Transgene-specific products were amplified using different specific primer pairs targeting the sequences of the promoter, the terminator, the selection marker, and the transgene, and the region across the promoter and transgene. Moreover, after cloning and sequencing the DNA fragments amplified by adaptor ligation-PCR, the junctions between plant genomic DNA and the T-DNA insert were elucidated. The event-specific method targeting the flanking sequences and the transgene was developed for identification of a specific transgenic line. The PCR patterns using primers designed from the left or the right flanking DNA sequence of the transgene insert in three selected transgenic papaya lines were specific and reproducible. Our results also verified that PRSV CP transgene is integrated into transgenic papaya genome in different loci. The copy number of inserted T-DNA was further confirmed by real-time PCR. The event-specific molecular markers developed in this investigation are crucial for regulatory requirement in some countries and intellectual protection. Also, these markers are helpful for prompt screening of a homozygote-transgenic progeny in the breeding program.', 'en_US'),
(3613, 'Gene transferability from transgenic Brassica napus L. to various subspecies and varieties of Brassica rapa.', 'Gene transferability from transgenic rapeseed to various subspecies and varieties of Brassica rapa was assessed in this study. Artificial crossability was studied in 118 cultivars of 7 B. rapa subspecies and varieties with the transgenic rapeseed GT73 (Brassica napus) as the pollen donor. On average 5.7 seeds were obtained per pollination, with a range from 0.05 to 19.4. The heading type of B. rapa L. showed significantly higher crossability than non-heading types of B. rapa. The spontaneous outcrossing rate between B. rapa (female) and the transgenic rapeseed Ms8 × Rf3 (B. napus) (male) ranged from 0.039 to 0.406%, with an average of 0.19%. The fertilization process and the development of the hybrid seeds as shown by fluorescent staining techniques indicated that the number of adhered pollens on the stigma was reduced by 80%, the number of pollen tubes in the style was reduced by 2/3 and the fertilization time was delayed by over 20 h when pollinated with the transgenic rapeseed Ms8 × Rf3 in comparison with the bud self-pollination of B. rapa as control. About 10–70% of the interspecific hybrid embryos were aborted in the course of development. Some seeds looked cracked in mature pods, which showed germination abilities lower than 10%. The spontaneous outcrossing rates were much lower than the artificial crossability, and their survival fitness of the interspecific hybrid was very low, indicating that it should be possible to keep the adventitious presence of the off-plants under the allowed threshold, if proper measures are taken.', 'en_US'),
(3614, 'The effect of root exudates from two transgenic insect-resistant cotton lines on the growth of Fusarium oxysporum.', 'The attenuation of disease resistance in transgenic insect-resistant cotton has become one of the important factors restricting cotton production in China. Two transgenic insect-resistant cotton lines and their parental conventional cotton lines were used as the testing materials. The effects of root exudates of these cotton lines on the spore germination and mycelial growth of Fusarium oxysporum were studied and the components, contents of amino acids and sugars were determined. The results showed that the resistance of the two insect-resistant cotton lines to F. oxysporum was inferior to the parental lines, and that their root exudates promoted fungal spore germination and mycelial growth. Considerable differences in the components and contents of both, amino acids and sugars were found between the root exudates of transgenic cotton lines and their parental lines, where the disease indices were highly correlated with the total amount of sugars in the root exudates.', 'en_US'),
(3615, 'Gene expression profiles of MON810 and comparable non-GM maize varieties cultured in the field are more similar than are those of conventional lines.', 'Maize is a major food crop and genetically modified (GM) varieties represented 24% of the global production in 2007. Authorized GM organisms have been tested for human and environmental safety. We previously used microarrays to compare the transcriptome profiles of widely used commercial MON810 versus near-isogenic varieties and reported differential expression of a small set of sequences in leaves of in vitro cultured plants of AristisBt/Aristis and PR33P67/PR33P66 (Coll et al. 2008). Here we further assessed the significance of these differential expression patterns in plants grown in a real context, i.e. in the field. Most sequences that were differentially expressed in plants cultured in vitro had the same expression values in MON810 and comparable varieties when grown in the field; and no sequence was found to be differentially regulated in the two variety pairs grown in the field. The differential expression patterns observed between in vitro and field culture were similar between MON810 and comparable varieties, with higher divergence between the two conventional varieties. This further indicates that MON810 and comparable non-GM varieties are equivalent except for the introduced character.', 'en_US'),
(3616, 'Testing coexistence and genetic containment for an autogamous crop.', 'Is there any risk that the threshold for admixture of genetically modified seeds in the harvest of a conventional cultivar, 0.9% in Europe, will be exceeded in the case of inbreeder crops? Using herbicide-resistant foxtail millet, Setaria italica, as a model of a preferentially autogamous crop, such as wheat and rice, field experiments show that genotype admixture due to pollen flow between adjacent fields is about 0.03% on average for the 10 adjacent meters, and 10 times less in the next 20-m lane. In the case of a maternally inherited resistance gene, the admixture rate is at least 100 times lower. Recessive herbicide resistance has also been tested but would be efficient only if the agreed coexistence rules were based on phenotype detection.', 'en_US'),
(3617, 'Extensive homologous recombination between introduced and native regulatory plastid DNA elements in transplastomic plants.', 'Homologous recombination within plastids directs plastid genome transformation for foreign gene expression and study of plastid gene function. Though transgenes are generally efficiently targeted to their desired insertion site, unintended homologous recombination events have been observed during plastid transformation. To understand the nature and abundance of these recombination events, we analyzed transplastomic tobacco lines derived from three different plastid transformation vectors utilizing two different loci for foreign gene insertion. Two unintended recombinant plastid DNA species were formed from each regulatory plastid DNA element included in the transformation vector. Some of these recombinant DNA species accumulated to as much as 10–60% of the amount of the desired integrated transgenic sequence in T0 plants. Some of the recombinant DNA species undergo further, “secondary” recombination events, resulting in an even greater number of recombinant plastid DNA species. The abundance of novel recombinant DNA species was higher in T0 plants than in T1 progeny, indicating that the ancillary recombination events described here may have the greatest impact during selection and regeneration of transformants. A line of transplastomic tobacco was identified containing an antibiotic resistance gene unlinked from the intended transgene insertion as a result of an unintended recombination event, indicating that the homologous recombination events described here may hinder efficient recovery of plastid transformants containing the desired transgene.', 'en_US'),
(3618, 'Effect of volunteers on maize gene flow.', 'Regulatory approvals for deliberate release of GM maize events into the environment have lead to real situations of coexistence between GM and non-GM, with some fields being cultivated with GM and conventional varieties in successive seasons. Given the common presence of volunteer plants in maize fields in temperate areas, we investigated the real impact of GM volunteers on the yield of 12 non-GM agricultural fields. Volunteer density varied from residual to around 10% of plants in the field and was largely reduced using certain cultural practices. Plant vigour was low, they rarely had cobs and produced pollen that cross-fertilized neighbour plants only at low—but variable—levels. In the worst-case scenario, the estimated content of GMO was 0.16%. The influence of GM volunteers was not enough to reach the 0.9% adventitious GM threshold but it could potentially contribute to adventitious GM levels, especially at high initial densities (i.e. above 1,000 volunteers/ha).', 'en_US'),
(3619, 'Generation of selectable marker-free transgenic tomato resistant to drought, cold and oxidative stress using the Cre/loxP DNA excision system.', 'The aim of this research was to generate selectable marker-free transgenic tomato plants with improved tolerance to abiotic stress. An estradiol-induced site-specific DNA excision of a selectable marker gene using the Cre/loxP DNA recombination system was employed to develop transgenic tomato constitutively expressing AtIpk2&amp;#946;, an inositol polyphosphate 6-/3-kinase gene from Arabidopsis thaliana. Transgenic tomato plants containing a selectable marker were also produced as controls. The expression of AtIpk2&amp;#946; conferred improved resistance to drought, cold and oxidative stress in both sets of transgenic tomato plants. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using this Cre/loxP-based marker elimination strategy to generate marker-free transgenic crops with improved stress tolerance.', 'en_US'),
(3620, 'Assessment of gene flow from a herbicide-resistant indica rice (Oryza sativa L.) to the Costa Rican weedy rice (Oryza sativa) in Tropical America: factors affecting hybridization rates and characterization of F1 hybrids.', 'Herbicide-resistant rice cultivars allow selective weed control. A glufosinate indica rice has been developed locally. However, there is concern about weedy rice becoming herbicide resistant through gene flow. Therefore, assessment of gene flow from indica rice cultivars to weedy rice is crucial in Tropical America. A field trial mimicking crop–weed growing patterns was established to assess the rate of hybridization between a Costa Rican glufosinate-resistant rice line (PPT-R) and 58 weedy rice accessions belonging to six weedy rice morphotypes. The effects of overlapping anthesis, morphotype, weedy accession/PPT-R percentage, and the particular weedy accession on hybridization rates were evaluated. Weedy rice accessions with short overlapping anthesis (4–9 days) had lower average hybridization rates (0.1%) than long anthesis overlapping (10–14 days) accessions (0.3%). Hybridization also varied according to weedy rice morphotype and accession. Sativa-like morphotypes (WM-020, WM-120) hybridized more readily than intermediate (WM-023, WM-073, WM-121) and rufipogon-like (WM-329) morphotypes. No hybrids were identified in 11 of the 58 accessions analyzed, 21 accessions had hybridization rates from 0.01% to 0.09%, 21 had rates from 0.1% to 0.9%, and 5 had frequencies from 1% to 2.3%. Another field trial was established to compare the weedy rice-PPT-R F1 hybrids with their parental lines under noncompetitive conditions. F1 hybrids had a greater phenotypic variation. They had positive heterosis for vegetative trait and reproductive potential (number of spikelets and panicle length) traits, but negative heterosis for seed set. This study demonstrated the complexity of factors affecting hybridization rates in Tropical America and suggested that the phenotype of F1 hybrids facilitate their identification in the rice fields.', 'en_US'),
(3621, 'Field trials to evaluate effects of Bt-transgenic silage corn expressing the Cry1Ab insecticidal toxin on non-target soil arthropods in northern New England, USA.', 'Traditionally, control of European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis) Hübner has been achieved through the use of chemical insecticides. With increasing emphasis on reducing pesticide inputs in agricultural production, alternative management technologies are now being used including transgenic silage corn modified to express Cry1Ab protein toxins derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Berliner. The Cry1Ab toxin is expressed by all plant cells and throughout the growing season. Furthermore, the toxins are exuded from corn plant roots into the rhizosphere, raising concerns over possible side-effects on non-target beneficial organisms in the same habitat. In addition, detrivores are exposed to crop residues containing the toxin when incorporated into the soil. The current 2-year study (2003, 2004) evaluated effects of two silage-corn varieties: Pioneer var. 38A25 (Bt-corn expressing the Cry1Ab toxin) and Pioneer var. 38A24 (parent isoline) on species diversity and evenness of carabid beetles and Collembola. Pitfall traps were used to collect surface-dwelling species on a bimonthly schedule from April to October. Soil cores were taken once a month from April to October to sample subterranean species, which were extracted using Berlese funnels. All individuals were recorded and identified where possible to species level for analysis in the Simpson’s D and Shannon–Wiener H’ diversity indices. Evenness was measured using Simpson’s E’, after which dominant species were analyzed in a multivariate ordination analysis. Results showed Bt-corn had no negative effects on any of the organisms analyzed. There was a significant year effect on the abundance of surface-dwelling Collembola and on species diversity of soil-dwelling Collembola. Our findings suggest that crop management practices and/or environmental conditions (e.g., heavy rainfall during the 2004 growing season) had the greatest impact on species diversity and evenness, rather than the crop itself (Bt or isoline).', 'en_US'),
(3622, 'Impact of Bt-corn MON88017 in comparison to three conventional lines on Trigonotylus caelestialium (Kirkaldy) (Heteroptera: Miridae) field densities.', 'In Europe, Bt-corn resistant against the European Corn Borer has until now been the only genetically modified plant to be grown commercially. With the advent of the Western Corn Rootworm Bt-corn varieties with resistance against Coleoptera will become important. The cultivation of Bt-plants may have negative impacts on non-target organisms, i.e. all species not explicitly targeted by a given Bt-crop. One prominent non-target group in corn are the herbivorous plant bugs (Heteroptera: Miridae). They are common, abundant and exposed to the Cry-protein. We therefore assessed the potential impact of the cultivation of the Cry3Bb1-expressing Bt-corn variety MON88017 and three conventional varieties on this group. Trigonotylus caelestialium (Kirkaldy) was the most abundant plant bug at the experimental field. There was no evidence for a negative impact of MON88017 on this species, despite its considerable exposure to Cry3Bb1 demonstrated with ELISA. The conventional corn varieties, however, had a consistent and significant influence on the field densities of this species over all three growing seasons.', 'en_US'),
(3623, 'Ingestion and excretion of two transgenic Bt corn varieties by slugs.', 'The release of transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) corn expressing various Cry endotoxins has raised concern that these endotoxins are disseminated in the food web and may adversely affect non-target beneficial organisms, such as predators and organisms of the decomposer food web. We therefore investigated in a laboratory study, whether the Cry1Ab and Cry3Bb1 protein from Bt corn could potentially be transferred to such organisms by measuring the Cry protein content in the two common agricultural slug pests Arion lusitanicus and Deroceras reticulatum and their feces. We measured Cry1Ab and Cry3Bb1 protein concentration in leaves, intestines, and feces of corn leaf-fed slugs using ELISA and determined how much of the ingested protein is excreted by the slugs. Cry3Bb1 concentration in leaves of DKC5143Bt corn was significantly higher than Cry1Ab concentration in leaves of N4640Bt corn. While slugs were feeding on corn leaves, the Cry3Bb1 and Cry1Ab proteins were found in intestines and feces of both slug species. Bt protein concentrations in intestines of Cry3Bb1 corn-fed slugs were in both slug species higher than in Cry1Ab corn fed slugs, whereas no differences between Cry3Bb1 and Cry1Ab protein in feces were found. After slugs had ceased feeding on Bt corn, Cry1Ab was detectable in fresh slug feces for a significantly longer time and often in higher amounts than the Cry3Bb1. Our results indicate that both Cry proteins are likely to be transferred to higher trophic levels and to the decomposer food web. Since different Bt proteins seem to vary in their degradation, they have different transfer probabilities. This should be considered in risk assessments for non-target arthropods.', 'en_US'),
(3624, 'Potential for seed-mediated gene flow in agroecosystems from transgenic safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) intended for plant molecular farming.', 'Safflower has been transformed for field scale molecular farming of high-value proteins including several pharmaceuticals. Viable safflower seed remaining in the soil seed bank after harvest could facilitate seed and pollen-mediated gene flow. Seeds may germinate in subsequent years and volunteer plants may flower and potentially outcross with commodity safflower and/or produce seed. Seeds from volunteers could become admixed with conventional crops at harvest, and/or replenish the seed bank. Seed in following crops could be transported locally and internationally and facilitate gene flow in locations where regulatory thresholds and public acceptance differ from Canada. Seed-mediated gene flow was examined in three studies. Safflower seed loss and viability following harvest of commercial fields of a non-transgenic cultivar were determined. We assessed seed longevity of transgenic and non-transgenic safflower, on the soil surface and buried at two depths. Finally, we surveyed commercial safflower fields at different sites and measured density and growth stage of safflower volunteers, in other crops the following year and documented volunteer survival and viable seed production. Total seed loss at harvest in commercial fields, ranged from 231 to 1,069 seeds m&amp;#8722;2 and the number of viable seeds ranged from 81 to 518 seeds m&amp;#8722;2. Safflower has a relatively short longevity in the seed bank and no viable seeds were found after 2 years. Based on the seed burial studies it is predicted that winter conditions would reduce safflower seed viability on the soil surface by &gt;50%, leaving between 40 and 260 viable seeds m&amp;#8722;2. The density of safflower volunteers emerging in the early spring of the following year ranged from 3 to 11 seedlings m&amp;#8722;2. Safflower volunteers did not survive in fields under chemical fallow, but in some cereal fields small numbers of volunteers did survive and generate viable seed. Results will be used to make recommendations for best management practices to reduce seed-mediated gene flow from commercial production of plant molecular farming with safflower.', 'en_US'),
(3625, 'Production of mRNA from the cry1Ac transgene differs among Bollgard® lines which correlates to the level of subsequent protein.', 'Commercial cultivars of Bollgard® cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., differ in the amount of expressed Cry1Ac protein. However, the plant-mechanism for which this occurs is still unknown. Using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), we developed a method to determine if differences in the overall level of Cry1Ac among Bollgard® lines could be correlated to the mRNA transcripts. Our data shows that the cry1Ac mRNA transcript differs among Bollgard® lines and are correlated with corresponding Cry1Ac protein levels. In addition, qPCR based methods can efficiently be employed to quantify Cry1Ac protein expression levels in transgenic cotton cultivars. We postulate that qPCR based methods could be successfully employed for quantifying expression levels of transgenes in plants carrying different Bt toxins.', 'en_US'),
(3626, 'Environmental impact of herbicide regimes used with genetically modified herbicide-resistant maize.', 'With the potential advent of genetically modified herbicide-resistant (GMHR) crops in the European Union, changes in patterns of herbicide use are predicted. Broad-spectrum, non-selective herbicides used with GMHR crops are expected to substitute for a set of currently used herbicides, which might alter the agro-environmental footprint from crop production. To test this hypothesis, the environmental impact of various herbicide regimes currently used with non-GMHR maize in Belgium was calculated and compared with that of possible herbicide regimes applied in GMHR maize. Impacts on human health and the environment were calculated through the pesticide occupational and environmental risk (POCER) indicator. Results showed that the environmental impact of herbicide regimes solely relying on the active ingredients glyphosate (GLY) or glufosinate-ammonium (GLU) is lower than that of herbicide regimes applied in non-GMHR maize. Due to the lower potential of GLY and GLU to contaminate ground water and their lower acute toxicity to aquatic organisms, the POCER exceedence factor values for the environment were reduced approximately by a sixth when GLY or GLU is used alone. However, the environmental impact of novel herbicide regimes tested may be underestimated due to the assumption that active ingredients used with GMHR maize would be used alone. Data retrieved from literature suggest that weed control efficacy is increased and resistance development delayed when GLY or GLU is used together with other herbicides in the GMHR system. Due to the partial instead of complete replacement of currently used herbicide regimes, the beneficial environmental impact of novel herbicide regimes might sometimes be reduced or counterbalanced. Despite the high weed control efficacy provided by the biotechnology-based weed management strategy, neither indirect harmful effects on farmland biodiversity through losses in food resources and shelter, nor shifts in weed communities have been demonstrated in GMHR maize yet. However, with the increasing adoption rate of GMHR maize and their associated novel herbicide regimes, this situation is expected to change in the short-term.', 'en_US'),
(3627, 'Comparison of transgenic Gerbera hybrida lines and traditional varieties shows no differences in cytotoxicity or metabolic fingerprints.', 'Genetic modification using gene transfer (GM) is still controversial when applied to plant breeding at least in Europe. One major concern is how GM affects other genes and thus the metabolism of the plant. In this study, 225 genetically modified lines of the ornamental plant Gerbera hybrida and 42 non-GM gerbera varieties were used to investigate changes in secondary metabolism. The cytotoxicity of GM and non-GM gerbera extracts was evaluated on human cell lines derived from lung, liver, and intestinal tissues. The results indicate that the safety profile for GM gerbera lines is similar to the viability pattern for non-GM varieties—none of the extracts were toxic. In addition, metabolic fingerprints of gerbera extracts were identified using thin-layer chromatography and analysed by principal component analysis (PCA), the nearest neighbour classifier, and Fligner-Killeen test. No new compounds unique to GM lines were observed. With PCA, no separation between GM gerbera lines and varieties could be demonstrated. In the nearest neighbour classifier, 54% of the samples found the expected neighbour based on the gene constructs used for transformation. With Fligner-Killeen test, we studied if the amounts of compounds vary more in GM gerberas than in varieties. In most cases, there were no statistically significant differences between the varieties and GM lines or there was more variation among the non-GM varieties than in the GM lines. The variance of a single compound was significantly larger in transgenic gerbera lines than in varieties and of three compounds in non-GM varieties.', 'en_US'),
(3628, 'Heterogeneity in the distribution of genetically modified and conventional oilseed rape within fields and seed lots.', 'The implementation of co-existence in the commercialisation of GM crops requires GM and non-GM products to be segregated in production and supply. However, maintaining segregation in oilseed rape will be made difficult by the highly persistent nature of this species. An understanding of its population dynamics is needed to predict persistence and develop potential strategies for control, while to ensure segregation is being achieved, the production of GM oilseed rape must be accompanied by the monitoring of GM levels in crop or seed populations. Heterogeneity in the spatial distribution of oilseed rape has the potential to affect both control and monitoring and, although a universal phenomenon in arable weeds and harvested seed lots, spatial heterogeneity in oilseed rape populations remains to be demonstrated and quantified. Here we investigate the distribution of crop and volunteer populations in a commercial field before and during the cultivation of the first conventional oilseed rape (winter) crop since the cultivation of a GM glufosinate-tolerant oilseed rape crop (spring) three years previously. GM presence was detected by ELISA for the PAT protein in each of three morphologically distinguishable phenotypes: autumn germinating crop-type plants (3% GM), autumn-germinating ‘regrowths’ (72% GM) and spring germinating ‘small-type’ plants (17% GM). Statistical models (Poisson log-normal and binomial logit-normal) were used to describe the spatial distribution of these populations at multiple spatial scales in the field and of GM presence in the harvested seed lot. Heterogeneity was a consistent feature in the distribution of GM and conventional oilseed rape. Large trends across the field (50 × 400 m) and seed lot (4 × 1.5 × 1.5 m) were observed in addition to small-scale heterogeneity, less than 20 m in the field and 20 cm in the seed lot. The heterogeneity was greater for the ‘regrowth’ and ‘small’ phenotypes, which were likely to be volunteers and included most of the GM plants detected, than for the largely non-GM ‘crop’ phenotype. The implications of the volunteer heterogeneity for field management and GM-sampling are discussed.', 'en_US'),
(3629, 'Prey mediated effects of Bt maize on fitness and digestive physiology of the red spider mite predator Stethorus punctillum Weise (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae).', 'The present study investigated prey-mediated effects of two maize varieties expressing a truncated Cry1Ab, Compa CB (event Bt176) and DKC7565 (event MON810), on the biology of the ladybird Stethorus punctillum. Although immuno-assays demonstrated the presence of Cry1Ab in both prey and predator collected from commercial maize-growing fields, neither transgenic variety had any negative effects on survival of the predator, nor on the developmental time through to adulthood. Furthermore, no subsequent effects on ladybird fecundity were observed. As a prerequisite to studying the interaction of ladybird proteases with Cry1Ab, proteases were characterised using a range of natural and synthetic substrates with diagnostic inhibitors. These results demonstrated that this predator utilises both serine and cysteine proteases for digestion. In vitro studies demonstrated that T. urticae were not able to process or hydrolyze Cry1Ab, suggesting that the toxin passes through the prey to the third trophic level undegraded, thus presumably retaining its insecticidal properties. In contrast, S. punctillum was able to activate the 130 kDa protoxin into the 65 kDa fragment; a fragment of similar size was also obtained with bovine trypsin, which is known to cleave the protoxin to the active form. Thus, despite a potential hazard to the ladybird of Bt-expressing maize (since the predator was both exposed to, and able to proteolytically cleave the toxin, at least in vitro), no deleterious effects were observed.', 'en_US'),
(3630, 'Impact of single-gene and dual-gene Bt broccoli on the herbivore Pieris rapae (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) and its pupal endoparasitoid Pteromalus puparum (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae).', 'Transgenic brassica crops producing insecticidal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are being investigated as candidates for field release to control lepidopteran pests. Information on the potential impact of Bt brassica crops on pests and non-target natural enemies is needed as part of an environmental risk assessment prior to the commercial release. This first tier study provides insight into the tritrophic interactions among Bt broccoli plants, the herbivore Pieris rapae and its parasitoid Pteromalus puparum. We first evaluated the efficacy of three types of Bt broccoli plants, cry1Ac, cry1C and cry1Ac + cry1C, on different instars of P. rapae. Bt broccoli effectively controlled P. rapae larvae, although later instars were more tolerant. The efficacy of different Bt broccoli plants on P. rapae larvae was consistently cry1Ac &gt; cry1Ac  + cry1C &gt; cry1C. When the parasitoid P. puparum developed in a P. rapae pupa (host) that had developed from Bt plant-fed older larvae, developmental time, total number and longevity of the P. puparum generated from the Bt plant-fed host were significantly affected compared with those generated from the non-Bt control plant-fed host. Simultaneously, negative effects on P. rapae pupae were found, i.e. pupal length, width and weight were significantly reduced after older P. rapae larvae fed on different Bt plants for 1 or 2 days. Cry1C toxin was detected using ELISA in P. rapae pupae after older larvae fed on cry1C broccoli. However, no Cry1C toxin was detected in newly emerged P. puparum adults developing in Bt-fed hosts. Only a trace amount of toxin was detected from entire P. puparum pupae dissected from the Bt plant-fed host. Moreover, no negative effect was found on the progeny of P. puparum developing from the Bt plant-fed host when subsequently supplied with a healthy host, P. rapae pupae. The reduced quality of the host appears to be the only reason for the observed deleterious effects on P. puparum. Our data suggest that the effects on P. puparum developing in Bt plant-fed P. rapae are mediated by host quality rather than by direct toxicity.', 'en_US'),
(3631, 'Efficient and stable transgene suppression via RNAi in field-grown poplars.', 'The efficiency and stability of RNA interference (RNAi) in perennial species, particularly in natural environments, is poorly understood. We studied 56 independent poplar RNAi transgenic events in the field over 2 years. A resident BAR transgene was targeted with two different types of RNAi constructs: a 475-bp IR of the promoter sequence and a 275-bp IR of the coding sequence, each with and without the presence of flanking matrix attachment regions (MARs). RNAi directed at the coding sequence was a strong inducer of gene silencing; 80% of the transgenic events showed more than 90% suppression. In contrast, RNAi targeting the promoter resulted in only 6% of transgenic events showing more than 90% suppression. The degree of suppression varied widely but was highly stable in each event over 2 years in the field, and had no association with insert copy number or the presence of MARs. RNAi remained stable during a winter to summer seasonal cycle, a time when expression of the targeted transgene driven by an rbcS promoter varied widely. When strong gene suppression was induced by an IR directed at the promoter sequence, it was accompanied by methylation of the homologous promoter region. DNA methylation was also observed in the coding region of highly suppressed events containing an IR directed at the coding sequence; however, the methylation degree and pattern varied widely among those suppressed events. Our results suggest that RNAi can be highly effective for functional genomics and biotechnology of perennial plants.', 'en_US'),
(3632, 'Over-expression of an arabidopsis family A sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) gene alters plant growth and fibre development.', 'The objective of this study was to manipulate the intracellular pools of sucrose by differentially expressing exogenous sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) and investigating its role in regulating plant growth and fibre development. Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum cv. Xanthi) plants were transformed with an arabidopsis SPS gene under the regulation of the ubiquitously expressed tandem repeat of the 35S cauliflower mosaic virus promoter, and subject to growth trials and fibre characterization. It was apparent that over-expression of SPS resulted in substantially elevated concentrations of sink sucrose pools compared to wild-type plants, while source tissue sucrose pools remained the same. All transformed plants had significantly increased stem height, which was ascribed to internode elongation, and greater stem diameters, longer fibers and increased total dry biomass relative to the control plants. Difference in the chemical composition of either the storage or structural carbohydrates of the wild-type and SPS transgenic lines were only minor. The correlation between increased stem sucrose content and plant phenotypes with elevated SPS gene expression confirm a role for sucrose availability in controlling plant growth and fibre elongation.', 'en_US'),
(3633, 'Accumulation of vitamin E in potato (Solanum tuberosum) tubers.', 'Vitamin E (tocopherol) is a powerful antioxidant essential for human health and synthesized only by photosynthetic organisms. The effects of over-expression of tocopherol biosynthetic enzymes have been studied in leaves and seeds, but not in a non-photosynthetic, below-ground plant organ. Genetic and molecular approaches were used to determine if increased levels of tocopherols can be accumulated in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers through metabolic engineering. Two transgenes were constitutively over-expressed in potato: Arabidopsis thaliana p-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (At-HPPD) and A. thaliana homogentisate phytyltransferase (At-HPT). &amp;#945;-Tocopherol levels in the transgenic plants were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. In potato tubers, over-expression of At-HPPD resulted in a maximum 266% increase in &amp;#945;-tocopherol, and over-expression of At-HPT yielded a 106% increase. However, tubers from transgenic plants still accumulated approximately 10- and 100-fold less &amp;#945;-tocopherol than leaves or seeds, respectively. The results indicate that physiological and regulatory constraints may be the most limiting factors for tocopherol accumulation in potato tubers. Studying regulation and induction of tocopherol biosynthesis should reveal approaches to more effectively engineer crops with enhanced tocopherol content.', 'en_US'),
(3634, 'Efficient dsRNA-mediated transgenic resistance to Beet necrotic yellow vein virus in sugar beets is not affected by other soilborne and aphid-transmitted viruses.', 'Rhizomania caused by Beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV) is one of the most devastating sugar beet diseases. Sugar beet plants engineered to express a 0.4 kb inverted repeat construct based on the BNYVV replicase gene accumulated the transgene mRNA to similar levels in leaves and roots, whereas accumulation of the transgene-homologous siRNA was more pronounced in roots. The roots expressed high levels of resistance to BNYVV transmitted by the vector, Polymyxa betae. Resistance to BNYVV was not decreased following co-infection of the plants with Beet soil borne virus and Beet virus Q that share the same vector with BNYVV. Similarly, co-infection with the aphid-transmitted Beet mild yellowing virus, Beet yellows virus (BYV), or with all of the aforementioned viruses did not affect the resistance to BNYVV, while they accumulated in roots. These viruses are common in most of the sugar beet growing areas in Europe and world wide. However, there was a competitive interaction between BYV and BMYV in sugar beet leaves, as infection with BYV decreased the titres of BMYV. Other interactions between the viruses studied were not observed. The results suggest that the engineered resistance to BNYVV expressed in the sugar beets of this study is efficient in roots and not readily compromised following infection of the plants with heterologous viruses.', 'en_US'),
(3635, 'Over-expression of the apple spermidine synthase gene in pear confers multiple abiotic stress tolerance by altering polyamine titers.', 'An apple spermidine synthase (SPDS) gene (MdSPDS1) was verified to encode a functional protein by the complementation of the spe3 yeast mutant, which lacks the SPDS gene. To justify our hypothesis that apple SPDS is involved in abiotic stress responses and to obtain transgenic fruit trees tolerant to abiotic stresses as well, MdSPDS1-over-expressing transgenic European pear (Pyrus communis L. ‘Ballad’) plants were created by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. A total of 21 transgenic lines showing various spermidine (Spd) titers and MdSPDS1 expression levels were obtained. Selected lines were exposed to salt (150 mM NaCl), osmosis (300 mM mannitol), and heavy metal (500 &amp;#956;M CuSO4) stresses for evaluating their stress tolerances. Transgenic line no. 32, which was revealed to have the highest Spd accumulation and expression level of MdSPDS1, showed the strongest tolerance to these stresses. When growth increments, electrolyte leakage (EL), and values of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were monitored, line no. 32 showed the lowest growth inhibition and the least increase in EL or TBARS under stress conditions. Spd titers in wild-type and transgenic lines showed diverse changes upon stresses, and these changes were not consistent with the changes in MdSPDS1 expressions. Moreover, there were no differences in the sodium concentration in the shoots between the wild type and line no. 32, whereas the copper concentration was higher in the wild type than in line no. 32. Although the mechanism(s) underlying the involvement of polyamines in stress responses is not known, these results suggest that the over-expression of the SPDS gene substantially increased the tolerance to multiple stresses by altering the polyamine titers in pear. Thus, MdSPDS1-over-expressing transgenic pear plants could be used to improve desert land and/or to repair polluted environments.', 'en_US'),
(3636, 'Genetically modified crops for the bioeconomy: meeting public and regulatory expectations.', 'As the United States moves toward a plant-based bioeconomy, a large research and development effort is focused on creating new feedstocks to meet biomass demand for biofuels, bioenergy, and specialized bioproducts, such as industrial compounds and biomaterial precursors. Most bioeconomy projections assume the widespread deployment of novel feedstocks developed through the use of modern molecular breeding techniques, but rarely consider the challenges involved with the use of genetically modified crops, which can include hurdles due to regulatory approvals, market adoption, and public acceptance. In this paper we consider the implications of various transgenic crops and traits under development for the bioeconomy that highlight these challenges. We believe that an awareness of the issues in crop and trait selection will allow developers to design crops with maximum stakeholder appeal and with the greatest potential for widespread adoption, while avoiding applications unlikely to meet regulatory approval or gain market and public acceptance.', 'en_US'),
(3637, 'Metabolic engineering of carotenoid accumulation by creating a metabolic sink.', 'Carotenoids are highly beneficial for human nutrition and health because they provide essential nutrients and important antioxidants in our diets. However, many food crops, especially the major staple crops contain only trace to low amounts of carotenoids. Although significant progress has been made in developing food crops rich in carotenoids by altering the expression of carotenoid biosynthetic genes, in many cases it has proved to be difficult to reach the desired levels of carotenoid enrichment. The recent identification and characterization of a novel gene mutation in cauliflower reveals that creating a metabolic sink to sequester carotenoids is an important mechanism to control carotenoid accumulation in plants. The successful demonstration of increased carotenoid accumulation in association with the formation of sink structures in transgenic crops offers a new and alternative approach to increase carotenoid content. Manipulation of the formation of metabolic sink along with the catalytic activity of the pathway may represent a promising strategy for maximally improving the nutritional quality of food crops.', 'en_US'),
(3638, 'Stability of Potato virus X expression vectors is related to insert size: implications for replication models and risk assessment.', 'We investigated the stability of expression constructs based on Potato virus X (PVX) as a function of insert length. Five different inserts ranging in length from 261 to 1,758 bp (human proinsulin, murine interleukin-10, HIV-1 nef, petunia expansin-1 and human gad65) were expressed using a PVX vector in Nicotiana benthamiana plants for three sequential passages. Using a competitive RT-PCR approach we demonstrated that insert–deletion could occur in the first infection cycle for all inserts, but that this was much more likely to be the case for longer ones. This suggested a negative correlation between insert length and vector stability. Sequence analysis of the deleted constructs suggested that recombination usually occurred at sites close to the duplicated sub-genomic promoter, but in a smaller number of cases the foreign gene itself was probably involved, resulting in partially deleted constructs containing transgene fragments. The implications of these results in the context of recombinant protein expression and its risks are discussed.', 'en_US'),
(3639, 'A wheat genomic DNA fragment reduces pollen transmission of maize transgenes by reducing pollen viability.', 'A genomic DNA fragment from wheat carrying the Glu-1Dx5 gene has been shown to exhibit reduced pollen transmission in transgenic maize. To localize the region of the DNA fragment responsible for this reduced pollen transmission, we produced transgenic maize plants in which the wheat genomic DNA proximal to the 1Dx5 coding sequence was replaced with the maize 27 kDa &amp;#947;-zein promoter. Like the wheat promoter-driven Glu-1Dx5 transgene, this zein promoter-driven transgene functioned to produce 1Dx5 in maize endosperm. However, with the zein promoter-driven transgene, pollen transmission of the transgene loci was normal in most self- and cross-pollinations. We concluded that the wheat genomic DNA proximal to the wheat 1Dx5 coding sequence was required for reduced pollen transmission of the transgene in maize. In two of four transformation events of the wheat promoter-driven construct examined, pollen exhibited two morphological classes. In one class, pollen was normal in morphology and displayed average viability, and in the second, pollen was reduced in size and did not germinate on artificial media. DNA from the transgene was detectable in mature pollen from plants with reduced pollen transmission of transgene loci. To explain these observations, we hypothesize that elements within the transgene construct interfere with pollen development. We demonstrated that the wheat genomic DNA fragment can be used to control pollen transmission of an herbicide resistance transgene genetically linked to it. The wheat genomic DNA fragment may contain elements that are useful for controlling pollen transmission of transgene loci in commercial maize grain and seed production.', 'en_US'),
(3640, 'Transgene-dependent incompatibility induced by introduction of the SK2:ZPT2-10 chimeric gene in petunia.', 'In an attempt to functionally characterize a petunia zinc-finger gene ZPT2-10, which is specifically expressed in style transmitting tissue, we fused its cDNA downstream of the potato SK2 promoter (SK2:ZPT2-10) and then introduced it into Petunia hybrida. We found that some transformants had acquired altered traits in compatibility in mating; these were termed ‘transgene-dependent incompatibility (TDI)’. These transgenic lines were fertile when self-pollinated or crossed with other TDI lines. In contrast, they failed to mate when crossed with untransformed wild-type petunia or non-TDI lines of SK2:ZPT2-10 transformants. The TDI phenomenon was observed irrespective of whether the TDI lines were used as the pollen or pistillar parent. The TDI phenotype cosegregated with the SK2:ZPT2-10 transgene in the T1 generation and loss of this transgene resulted in the recovery of normal fertility. In the case of infertile pollination with the TDI line as one parent, pollen tubes grew normally through pistillar tissues, where endogenous ZPT2-10 is expressed, and eventually reached the ovules. However, the resultant embryos were arrested at the globular-heart stage. We found no correlation between the occurrence of the TDI phenotype and the expression of ZPT2-10 transcripts. On the basis of these observations, we discuss the possible molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomena and its utility.', 'en_US'),
(3641, 'Antioxidant value addition in human diets: genetic transformation of Brassica juncea with gamma-TMT gene for increased alpha-tocopherol content.', 'alpha-Tocopherol, the most biologically active form of vitamin E, is implicated in decreasing the risk of several types of cancers, coronary heart disease and a number of degenerative human conditions, when taken in excess of the recommended daily allowance. Natural alpha-tocopherol has twice the bioavailability of the synthetic isomer. This study describes a successful attempt at fortifying human diets with natural &#945;-tocopherol by taking recourse to genetic engineering of an important oilseed crop, Brassica juncea. gamma-Tocopherol methyl transferase cDNA from Arabidopsis thaliana, coding for the enzyme catalysing the conversion of the large &#947;-tocopherol pool to alpha-tocopherol, was overexpressed in B. juncea plants. The successful integration of the transgene was confirmed by PCR and Southern blot analysis, while the enhanced transcript level was evident in the northern blot analysis. HPLC analysis of the seeds of the T1 transgenic lines showed a shift in tocopherol profile with the highest over-expressors having alpha-tocopherol levels as high as sixfold over the non-transgenic controls. This study discusses the production of a transgenic oilseed crop with high alpha-tocopherol levels, which can provide a feasible, innocuous, and inexpensive way of taking the beneficial effects of high alpha-tocopherol intake to the masses.', 'en_US');
INSERT INTO `bibliography_bibliography_i18n` (`id`, `title`, `abstract`, `locale`) VALUES
(3642, 'Redirection of carotenoid metabolism for the efficient production of taxadiene [taxa-4(5),11(12)-diene] in transgenic tomato fruit.', 'The taxanes are a group of polycyclic diterpenes produced by various species of yew. The potent anticancer drug paclitaxel (marketed as Taxol™) is the commercially most important taxane with annual sales in 2000 exceeding $1.6 billion. Paclitaxel is currently obtained either by direct extraction from yew trees or by the extraction of the precursor 10-deactilbaccatin III, which is then converted to paclitaxel by semi-synthesis. Apart from cost, one of the main draw backs to taxol in cancer treatment is the development of resistance by tumours, commonly due to the expression of ABC transporter efflux pumps which remove the drug from the target cell. A number of natural taxanes and semisynthetic derivates, have recently been shown to act as potent inhibitors of ABC transport proteins. These compounds have no effect upon microtubule polymerization (the normal target of paclitaxel), but have the ability to restore drug sensitivity when given in combination with paclitaxel to resistant cell lines. In work to be described elsewhere, we sort to carry out a structure function analysis of the ability of novel oxidised taxanes to act as ABC transporter inhibitors. For this study 100 mg or more of taxadiene [taxa-4(5),11(12)-diene], the first taxane in the paclitaxel pathway, was required as starting material from which to synthesize these compounds. Taxadiene is synthesised directly from geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP), which is found in most plant tissues where it serves as a common precursor for many metabolites. The synthesis and use of GGDP are tightly regulated in most vegetative organs, however, in tomato fruit it is used almost exclusively for the production of coloured carotenoids which accumulate to high levels in the plastid as lycopene crystals. Expressing taxadiene synthase in a yellow-fruited tomato line that lacks the ability to utilise GGPP for carotenoid synthesis allowed GGPP normally utilised for making carotenoids to be re-routed for the production of taxadiene, allowing the facile extraction of 160 mg of highly pure taxadiene from 1 kg of freeze dried fruit.', 'en_US'),
(3643, 'Progress of vitamin E metabolic engineering in plants.', 'Vitamin E is important for human and animal health. Many human diseases, such as certain cancers and neurodegenerative and cardiovascular disease, are associated with the insufficient intake of vitamin E. The daily requirements for vitamin E in men and women have been increased to 15–30 mg. Because the primary source of dietary vitamin E comes from plants, there is a need to increase vitamin E production through plant engineering in order to meet the demand in human consumption. Numerous studies have been carried out in this field, leading to many successful examples. In this review, we summarized the recent progress in vitamin E metabolic engineering in plants aimed at improving the vitamin E content and regulating composition of vitamin E.', 'en_US'),
(3644, 'Transgenic tobacco plants producing caffeine: a potential new strategy for insect pest control.', 'Caffeine (1,3,7–trimethylxanthine) is one of the most widely used plant secondary metabolites, primarily as a stimulant and an ingredient in drugs. In nature, caffeine is believed to function in chemical defense, acting as an antiherbivory and allelopathic agent, and therefore it might be employed to protect agriculturally important crop plants. In coffee plants, caffeine is synthesized from the precursor xanthosine in four steps, three N-methylations and removal of ribose. We had previously isolated genes encoding three distinct N-methyltransferases, and we demonstrated production of recombinant enzymes that yielded caffeine in in vitro reconstitution experiments. When these caffeine biosynthetic pathway genes were simultaneously expressed in tobacco plants (Nicotiana tabacum), caffeine was successfully produced up to 5 µg/g fresh weight in leaves. The leaves were unpalatable to tobacco cutworms (Spodoptera litura). This repellent action appeared to be more widely&amp;#9251;applicable to lepidopteran caterpillars as observed with small white (Pieris rapae) fed on Chinese cabbages that had been top-treated with caffeine. Our recent results suggest a novel approach to strengthen anti-herbivore traits by producing caffeine in crop plants.', 'en_US'),
(3645, 'The grapevine polygalacturonase-inhibiting protein (VvPGIP1) reduces Botrytis cinerea susceptibility in transgenic tobacco and differentially inhibits fungal polygalacturonases.', 'Polygalacturonase-inhibiting proteins (PGIPs) selectively inhibit polygalacturonases (PGs) secreted by invading plant pathogenic fungi. PGIPs display differential inhibition towards PGs from different fungi, also towards different isoforms of PGs originating from a specific pathogen. Recently, a PGIP-encoding gene from Vitis vinifera (Vvpgip1) was isolated and characterised. PGIP purified from grapevine was shown to inhibit crude polygalacturonase extracts from Botrytis cinerea, but this inhibitory activity has not yet been linked conclusively to the activity of the Vvpgip1 gene product. Here we use a transgenic over-expression approach to show that the PGIP encoded by the Vvpgip1 gene is active against PGs of B. cinerea and that over-expression of this gene in transgenic tobacco confers a reduced susceptibility to infection by this pathogen. A calculated reduction in disease susceptibility of 47–69% was observed for a homogeneous group of transgenic lines that was statistically clearly separated from untransformed control plants following infection with Botrytis over a 15-day-period. VvPGIP1 was subsequently purified from transgenic tobacco and used to study the specific inhibition profile of individual PGs from Botrytis and Aspergillus. The heterologously expressed and purified VvPGIP1 selectively inhibited PGs from both A. niger and B.&amp;#9251;cinerea, including BcPG1, a PG from B. cinerea that has previously been shown to be essential for virulence and symptom development. Altogether our data confirm the antifungal nature of the VvPGIP1, and the in vitro inhibition data suggest at least in part, that the VvPGIP1 contributed to the observed reduction in disease symptoms by inhibiting the macerating action of certain Botrytis PGs in planta. The ability to correlate inhibition profiles to individual PGs provides a more comprehensive analysis of PGIPs as antifungal genes with biotechnological potential, and adds to our understanding of the importance of PGIP:PG interactions during disease and symptom development in plants.', 'en_US'),
(3646, 'Physiological effects of constitutive expression of Oilseed Rape Mosaic Tobamovirus (ORMV) movement protein in Arabidopsis thaliana.', 'Movement proteins (MPs) are non-cell autonomous viral-encoded proteins that assist viruses in their cell-to-cell movement. The MP encoded by Tobamoviruses is the best characterized example among MPs of non-tubule-inducing plant RNA viruses. The MP of Oilseed Rape Mosaic Tobamovirus (ORMV) was transgenically expressed in Arabidopsis thaliana, ecotype RLD, under the expression of the 35S promoter from Cauliflower Mosaic Virus. Transgenic lines were obtained in sense and antisense orientations. One of the sense transgenic lines was further characterized turning out to carry one copy of the transgene inserted in the terminal region of the right arm of chromosome 1. The constitutive expression of ORMV-MP induced mild physiological effects in Arabidopsis. Plants of the transgenic line allowed a faster systemic movement of the phloem tracer carboxyfluorescein. The tracer was unloaded differentially in different flower parts, revealing differential effects of ORMV-MP on phloem unloading in sink organs. On the other hand, transgenic Arabidopsis did not show any effect on biomass partitioning or sugar availability, effects reported for equivalent transgenic solanaceous plants expressing the MP of Tobacco Mosaic Virus, another Tobamovirus. Finally, the transgenic Arabidopsis plants were susceptible to ORMV infection, although showing milder overall symptoms than non-transgenic controls. The results highlight the relevance of the specific host-virus system, in the physiological outcome of the molecular interactions established by MPs.', 'en_US'),
(3647, 'Comparative spatial spread overtime of Zucchini Yellow Mosaic Virus (ZYMV) and Watermelon Mosaic Virus (WMV) in fields of transgenic squash expressing the coat protein genes of ZYMV and WMV, and in fields of nontransgenic squash.', 'The spatial and temporal patterns of aphid-vectored spread of Zucchini Yellow Mosaic Virus (ZYMV) and Watermelon Mosaic Virus (WMV) were monitored over two consecutive years in plantings of nontransgenic and transgenic squash ZW-20H (commercial cv. Freedom II) and ZW-20B, both expressing the coat protein genes of ZYMV and WMV. All test plants were surrounded by nontransgenic plants that were mechanically inoculated with ZYMV or WMV, and served as primary virus source. Across all trials, none of the transgenic plants exhibited systemic symptoms upon infection by ZYMV and WMV but a few of them developed localized chlorotic dots and/or blotches, and had low mixed infection rates [4% (6 of 139) of ZW-20H and 9% (13 of 139) of ZW-20B], as shown by ELISA. Geostatistical analysis of ELISA positive transgenic plants indicated, (i) a lack of spatial relationship on spread of ZYMV and WMV for ZW-20H with flat omnidirectional experimental semivariograms that fitted poorly theoretical models, and (ii) some extent of spatial dependence on ZYMV spread for ZW-20B with a well structured experimental semivariogram that fitted poorly theoretical models during the first but not the second growing season. In contrast, a strong spatial dependence on spread of ZYMV and WMV was found for nontransgenic plants, which developed severe systemic symptoms, had prevalent mixed infection rates (62%, 86 of 139), and well-defined omnidirectional experimental semivariograms that fitted a spherical model. Geostatistical data were sustained by virus transmission experiments with Myzus persicae in screenhouses, showing that commercial transgenic squash ZW-20H alter the dynamics of ZYMV and WMV epidemics by preventing secondary plant-to-plant spread.', 'en_US'),
(3648, 'Generation of mercury-hyperaccumulating plants through transgenic expression of the bacterial mercury membrane transport protein merC.', 'The merC gene from Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans functions as a mercury uptake pump. MerC protein localizes in the cytoplasmic membrane of plant cells. When Arabidopsis thaliana and tobacco plants were transformed with the merC gene under the control of the Cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter, the resulting overexpression of merC rendered the host plants hypersensitive to Hg2+ and they accumulated approximately twice as much Hg2+ ion as the wild type plants. Thus, bacterial mercuric ion transporters such as MerC may be useful molecular tools for producing transgenic plants that hyperaccumulate Hg2+ ion.', 'en_US'),
(3649, 'Transformation of poplar (Populus alba) plastids and expression of foreign proteins in tree chloroplasts.', 'Plastid transformation offers several unique advantages compared with nuclear genome transformation, such as high level of transgene expression within plastids, expressing multiple transgenes as operons, lack of position effect due to site-specific transgene integration, and reducing risks of gene flow via pollen due to maternal inheritance of the plastid genome. Plastid transformation has been applied to several herbal species, but as yet there are no applications to tree species. We report here the first successful plastid transformation in a tree species, Populus alba. A vector for plastid transformation of poplar (Populus alba) was constructed, which carried the spectinomycin resistance gene and the green fluorescence protein gene as marker genes. In the regenerated shoots, the site-specific integration of foreign genes and the establishment of a high homoplastomic state were confirmed. Immunoblot analysis and histological observations corroborated the accumulation of green fluorescence protein in chloroplasts. The establishment of a plastid transformation system in poplar provides a novel tool for tree biotechnology.', 'en_US'),
(3650, 'Phytohormones and rice crop yield: strategies and opportunities for genetic improvement.', 'To feed an estimated world population of 8.9 billion by 2050, strategies for increasing grain production must be developed. Several agronomically important traits for increasing yield, such as plant height, grain number, and leaf erectness, have recently been characterized in rice (Oryza sativa L.). These traits are regulated primarily by three phytohormones: gibberellins, cytokinins, and brassinosteroids. The control of biosynthesis and degradation of these key phytohormones is discussed in terms of its importance for normal plant growth. Genes involved in the biosynthesis and regulation of these phytohormones can be used to develop effective strategies to increase grain yield. Genetic manipulation of phytohormone-related gene expression is thus a practical strategy to generate high-yielding transgenic plants through the modification of levels and profile of endogenous phytohormones.', 'en_US'),
(3651, 'Expression of the lipid transfer protein Ace-AMP1 in transgenic wheat enhances antifungal activity and defense responses.', 'To enhance fungal disease resistance, wheat plants (cv. Bobwhite) were engineered to constitutively express the potent antimicrobial protein Ace-AMP1 from Allium cepa, driven by a maize ubiquitin promoter along with its first intron. The bar gene was used for selection of putative transformants on medium containing phosphinothricin (PPT). Transgene inheritance, integration and stability of expression were confirmed over two generations by PCR, Southern, northern and western blot analyses, respectively. The levels of Ace-AMP1 in different transgenic lines correlated with the transcript levels of the transgene. Up to 50% increase in resistance to Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici was detected in detached leaf assays. In ears of transgenic wheat inoculated with Neovossia indica, Ace-AMP1 intensified expression of defense-related genes. Elevated levels of salicylic acid and of transcripts of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), glucanase (PR2) and chitinase (PR3) in the transgenic plants indicated manifestation of systemic acquired resistance (SAR).', 'en_US'),
(3652, 'Prey-mediated effects of transgenic canola on a beneficial, non-target, carabid beetle.', 'Transgenic plants producing insecticidal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) can control some major insect pests and reduce reliance on sprayed insecticides. However, large scale adoption of this technology has raised concerns about potential negative effects, including evolution of pest resistance to Bt toxins, transgene flow from Bt crops to other plants, and harm to non-target beneficial organisms. Furthermore, concern has also been expressed over the effects this technology may have on biodiversity in general. Ecologically relevant risk assessment is therefore required (Risk = Hazard × Exposure). Transgenic plants that produce Bt toxins to kill insect pests could harm beneficial predators. This might occur directly by transmission of toxin via prey, or indirectly by toxin-induced reduction in prey quality (Hazard). To test these hypotheses, we determined the effects of Bt-producing canola on a predatory ground beetle (Pterostichus madidus) fed larvae of diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) that were either susceptible or resistant to the Bt toxin. Survival, weight gain, and adult reproductive fitness did not differ between beetles fed prey reared on Bt-producing plants and those fed prey from control plants. Furthermore, while Bt-resistant prey was shown to deliver high levels of toxin to the beetle when they were consumed, no significant impact upon the beetle was observed. Subsequent investigation showed that in choice tests (Exposure), starved and partially satiated female beetles avoided Bt-fed susceptible prey, but not Bt-fed resistant prey. However, in the rare cases when starved females initially selected Bt-fed susceptible prey, they rapidly rejected them after beginning to feed. This prey type was shown to provide sufficient nutrition to support reproduction in the bioassay suggesting that Bt-fed susceptible prey is acceptable in the absence of alternative prey, however adults possess a discrimination ability based on prey quality. These results suggest that the direct effects of Bt-producing canola on predator life history was minimal, and that predators’ behavioural preferences may mitigate negative indirect effects of reduced quality of prey caused by consumption of Bt-producing plants. The results presented here therefore suggest that cultivation of Bt canola may lead to conservation of non-target predatory and scavenging organisms beneficial in pest control, such as carabids, and may therefore provide more sustainable agricultural systems than current practices. In addition, minimal impacts on beneficial carabids in agro-ecosystems suggest that Bt canola crops are likely to be compatible with integrated pest management (IPM) systems.', 'en_US'),
(3653, 'Mycotoxin reduction in Bt corn: potential economic, health, and regulatory impacts.', 'Genetically modified (GM) Bt corn, through the pest protection that it confers, has lower levels of mycotoxins: toxic and carcinogenic chemicals produced as secondary metabolites of fungi that colonize crops. In some cases, the reduction of mycotoxins afforded by Bt corn is significant enough to have an economic impact, both in terms of domestic markets and international trade. In less developed countries where certain mycotoxins are significant contaminants of food, Bt corn adoption, by virtue of its mycotoxin reduction, may even improve human and animal health. This paper describes an integrated assessment model that analyzes the economic and health impacts of two mycotoxins in corn: fumonisin and aflatoxin. It was found that excessively strict standards of these two mycotoxins could result in global trade losses in the hundreds of millions $US annually, with the US, China, and Argentina suffering the greatest losses. The paper then discusses the evidence for Bt corn’s lower levels of contamination of fumonisin and aflatoxin, and estimates economic impacts in the United States. A total benefit of Bt corn’s reduction of fumonisin and aflatoxin in the US was estimated at $US annually, with the US, China, and Argentina suffering the greatest losses. The paper then discusses the evidence for Bt corn’s lower levels of contamination of fumonisin and aflatoxin, and estimates economic impacts in the United States. A total benefit of Bt corn’s reduction of fumonisin and aflatoxin in the US was estimated at 23 million annually. Finally, the paper examines the potential policy impacts of Bt corn’s mycotoxin reduction, on nations that are making a decision on whether to allow commercialization of this genetically modified crop.', 'en_US'),
(3654, 'Examination of the biological effects of high anionic peroxidase production in tobacco plants grown under field conditions. I. insect pest damage.', 'At least 25 wild type and high peroxidase tobacco Nicotiana tabacum L. plants were examined semiweekly over several weeks for pest insect distribution and damage in a 2 year field study. Incidence and/or severity of naturally occurring caterpillar damage (dingy cutworm (Feltia ducens Walker), black cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel), tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta L.), and false tobacco budworm (= corn earworm Helicoverpa zea (Boddie)) was significantly reduced at several sample dates for high peroxidase vs. wild type plants. These results parallel those of prior laboratory studies with caterpillars. The number of adult whiteflies (Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) per plant was significantly reduced on high peroxidase compared to wild type plants on most sample dates in both years. The number of plants with leaves containing &gt;100 aphids (primarily Myzus persicae Sulzer) per leaf on high peroxidase plants was significantly lower that on wild type plants after an equivalent invasion period in both years. A significantly higher proportion of aphids were found dead on leaf five of high peroxidase compared to wild type plants at most sample dates in both years. These results indicate that high peroxidase plants have resistance to a wide range of insects, implicating this enzyme as a broad range resistance mechanism.', 'en_US'),
(3655, 'Six years after the commercial introduction of Bt maize in Spain: field evaluation, impact and future prospects.', 'We carried out a 6-year-field evaluation to assess potential hazards of growing Compa®, a transgenic Bt maize variety based on the transformation event CG 00256-176. Two categories of hazards were investigated: the potential of the target corn borer Sesamia nonagrioides to evolve resistance to Bt maize and effects on non-target organisms. In order to address the first hazard, dispersal capacity of the corn borer was measured and our results indicated that larvae move to plants other than those onto which the female oviposited – even to plants in adjacent rows – in remarkable numbers and they do so mostly at a mature age, suggesting that mixing Bt and non-Bt seeds in the same field would not be a very useful deployment strategy to delay/prevent resistance. In addition, adults move among fields to mate and males may do so for up to 400 m. Three different aspects of potential non-target effects were investigated: sub-lethal effects on the target S. nonagrioides, effects on non-target maize pests, and effects on maize-dwelling predators. Larvae collected in Bt fields at later growth stages, in which event 176 Bt maize expresses Bt toxin at sub-lethal concentrations, had longer diapause and post-diapause development than larvae collected in non-Bt fields, a feature that might lead to a certain isolation between populations in both type of fields and accelerate Bt resistance evolution. Transgenic maize did not have a negative impact on non-target pests in the field; more aphids and leafhoppers but similar numbers of cutworms and wireworms were counted in Bt versus non-Bt fields; in any case differences in damage or yield were recorded. We observed no difference in the numbers of the most relevant predators in fields containing transgenic or no transgenic maize.', 'en_US'),
(3656, 'Transgenic plants for insect pest control: a forward looking scientific perspective.', 'One of the first successes of plant biotechnology has been the creation and commercialisation of transgenic crops exhibiting resistance to major insect pests. First generation products encompassed plants with single insecticidal Bt genes with resistance against major pests of corn and cotton. Modelling studies predicted that usefulness of these resistant plants would be short-lived, as a result of the ability of insects to develop resistance against single insecticidal gene products. However, despite such dire predictions no such collapse has taken place and the acreage of transgenic insect resistance crops has been increasing at a steady rate over the 9 years since the deployment of the first transgenic insect resistant plant. However, in order to assure durability and sustainability of resistance, novel strategies have been contemplated and are being developed. This perspective addresses a number of potentially useful strategies to assure the longevity of second and third generation insect resistant plants.', 'en_US'),
(3657, 'Reproductive phenology of transgenic Brassica napus cultivars: Effect on intraspecific gene flow.', 'Pollen-mediated gene flow in space is well documented and isolation distances are recommended to ensure genetic purity of Brassica napus seed crops. Isolation in time could also contribute to gene flow management but has been little investigated. We assessed the effects of asynchronous and synchronous flowering on intraspecific B. napus gene flow by seeding adjacent plots of transgenic spring canola cultivars, either resistant to glyphosate or glufosinate, over a 0–4 week interval and measuring outcrossing rates and seed-set. Outcrossing rates, evaluated in the center of the first adjacent row, were reduced to the lowest level in plots flowering first when the seeding interval &gt;&amp;#8201;2 weeks. Increasing the time gap increased outcrossing rates in plots flowering second up to a seeding interval of two weeks. Flowers that opened during the last week of the flowering period produced fewer seed (&lt;&amp;#8201;10% of total seed production) and a smaller fraction of outcrossed seed (–25%). Observed time gap effects were likely caused by extraneous pollen load during the receptivity of productive seed-setting early flowers. Clearly, manipulation of B. napus flowering development through staggered planting dates can contribute to gene flow management. The approach will need to be validated by additional site-years and increased isolation distances.', 'en_US'),
(3658, 'Strategies for coexistence of GM and non-GM soy from import to feed processing.', 'Regulations 1829/2003/CE and 1830/2003/CE have allowed the placing on the European market of GM products in food and feed chains, and have defined their rules of traceability and labeling. For some supply chains, like for soy and its derived products that are used in the production of feed, manufacturers have to face both non-GM and GM production, although there are no labeling requirements for animal products derived from animals fed with GMOs. This study presents the strategies of stakeholders involved in the feed production chain to maintain concurrent production of compound feed with GM and non-GM soy products, by dealing with the coexistence between those two crops. The stakeholders include importers, traders, soy processors, feed processors and retailers. The study shows that many tools are in place to ensure and maintain the current coexistence. However, a profound harmonization of procedures and methods at a European level should be encouraged.', 'en_US'),
(3659, 'Statistical aspects of environmental risk assessment of GM plants for effects on non-target organisms.', 'Previous European guidance for environmental risk assessment of genetically modified plants emphasized the concepts of statistical power but provided no explicit requirements for the provision of statistical power analyses. Similarly, whilst the need for good experimental designs was stressed, no minimum guidelines were set for replication or sample sizes. Furthermore, although substantial equivalence was stressed as central to risk assessment, no means of quantification of this concept was given. This paper suggests several ways in which existing guidance might be revised to address these problems. One approach explored is the `bioequivalence'' test, which has the advantage that the error of most concern to the consumer may be set relatively easily. Also, since the burden of proof is placed on the experimenter, the test promotes high-quality, well-replicated experiments with sufficient statistical power. Other recommendations cover the specification of effect sizes, the choice of appropriate comparators, the use of positive controls, meta-analyses, multivariate analysis and diversity indices. Specific guidance is suggested for experimental designs of field trials and their statistical analyses. A checklist for experimental design is proposed to accompany all environmental risk assessments.', 'en_US'),
(3660, 'Soil persistence of DNA from transgenic poplar.', 'The presence of recombinant DNA in soil cultivated with white poplars (Populus alba L.) expressing either the bar transgene for herbicide tolerance or the StSy transgene for resveratrol production, respectively, was investigated in a greenhouse over a 20-month period. The bar trial included the transgenic lines 5P56 and 6EA22P56 and the untransformed line, while the StSy trial was established with the transgenic lines 5EAC1 and 12EAC1 and with the untransformed line. All the transgenic poplars harbored the nptII marker gene. Plantlets were cultivated in pots, and soil samples were mixed in order to obtain composite pools which were used for molecular analyses. The 35SCaMV-bar (1504 bp), 35SCaMV-StSy (1403 bp) and NosP-nptII (1188 bp) sequences were detected in total DNA extracted from soil samples taken at different times after planting, using PCR/Southern blot hybridization. Microcosm experiments, carried out to assess the effects of temperature and DNA purity on transgene persistence, revealed only a partial correlation between the intensity of hybridization signals and the parameters tested.', 'en_US'),
(3661, 'Evaluation of pollen dispersal and cross pollination using transgenic grapevine plants.', 'Public debate about the possible risk of genetically modified plants often concerns putative effects of pollen dispersal and out-crossing into conventional fields in the neighborhood of transgenic plants. Though Vitis vinifera (grapevine) is generally considered to be self-pollinating, it cannot be excluded that vertical gene transfer might occur. For monitoring pollen flow and out-crossing events, transgenic plants of Vitis vinifera cv. `Dornfelder'' harboring the gus-int gene were planted in the center of a field experiment in Southwest Germany in 1999. The rate of pollen dispersal was determined by pollen traps placed at radial distances of 5–150 m from the pollen-donor plants, at 1.00 and 1.80 m above ground. Transgenic pollen was evaluated by GUS staining, and could clearly be distinguished from pollen originating from non-transgenic grapevine plants. Transgenic pollen was observed up to 150 m from the pollen donors. The rate of out-crossing was determined by sampling seeds of selected grapevines at a distance of 10 m to the pollen source, and of a sector at 20 m distance, respectively, followed by GUS analysis of seedlings. The average cross-pollination rate during the experiment (2002–2004) was 2.7% at a distance of 20 m. The results of this first pilot study present a good base for further assessment under the conditions of normal viticulture practice.', 'en_US'),
(3662, 'In-field frequencies and characteristics of oilseed rape with double herbicide resistance.', 'When growing different transgenic herbicide-resistant oilseed rape cultivars side by side, seeds with multiple herbicide resistance can arise, possibly causing problems for the management of volunteer plants. Large-scale field experiments were performed in the years 1999/2000 and 2000/2001 in order to investigate the frequencies and the consequences of the transfer of herbicide resistance genes from transgenic oilseed rape to cultivars grown on neighboring agricultural fields. Transgenic oilseed rape with resistance to glufosinate-ammonium (LibertyLink, LL) and with glyphosate resistance (RoundupReady, RR), respectively, was sown in adjacent 0.5 ha plots, surrounded by about 8 ha non-transgenic oilseed rape. The plots and the field were either in direct contact (0.5 m gap width) or they were separated by 10 m of fallow land. Seed samples taken during harvest in the transgenic plots at different distances were investigated for progeny with resistance to the respective other herbicide. It was found that outcrossing frequencies were reduced to different extents by a 10 m isolation distance. In addition to pollen-mediated transgene flow as a result of outcrossing, we found considerable seed-mediated gene flow by adventitious dispersal of transgenic seeds through the harvesting machine. Volunteer plants with double herbicide resistance emerging in the transgenic plots after harvest were selected by suitable applications of the complementary herbicides Basta  and Roundup Ultra  . In both years, double-resistant volunteers were largely restricted to the inner edges of the plots. Expression analysis under controlled laboratory conditions of double-resistant plants generated by manual crosses revealed stability of transgene expression even at elevated temperatures. Greenhouse tests with double-resistant oilseed rape plants gave no indication that the sensitivity to a range of different herbicides is changed as compared to non-transgenic oilseed rape.', 'en_US'),
(3663, 'Pollen-mediated gene flow from transgenic safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) intended for plant molecular farming to conventional safflower.', 'Field experiments were conducted in Chile and western Canada to measure short-distance (0 to 100 m) outcrossing from transgenic safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) intended for plant molecular farming to non-transgenic commodity safflower of the same variety. The transgenic safflower used as the pollen source was transformed with a construct for seed-specific expression of a high-value protein and constitutive expression of a gene conferring resistance to the broad-spectrum herbicide glufosinate. Progeny of non-transgenic plants grown in plots adjacent to the transgenic pollen source were screened for glufosinate resistance to measure outcrossing frequency. Outcrossing frequency differed among locations: values closest to the transgenic pollen source (0 to 3 m) ranged from 0.48 to 1.67% and rapidly declined to between 0.0024 to 0.03% at distances of 50 to 100 m. At each location, outcrossing frequency was spatially heterogeneous, indicating insects or wind moved pollen asymmetrically. A power analysis assuming a binomial distribution and a range of alpha values (type 1 error) was conducted to estimate an upper and lower confidence interval for the probable transgenic seed frequency in each sample. This facilitated interpretation when large numbers of seeds were screened from the outcrossing experiments and no transgenic seeds were found. This study should aid regulators and the plant molecular farming industry in developing confinement strategies to mitigate pollen mediated gene flow from transgenic to non-transgenic safflower.', 'en_US'),
(3664, 'Monitoring the occurrence of genetically modified oilseed rape growing along a Japanese roadside: 3-year observations.', 'Monitoring for escape of genetically modified (GM) oilseed rape (Brassica napus) during transport can be performed by means of roadside evaluations in areas where cultivation of this GM crop is not conducted, such as in Japan. We performed a survey of oilseed rape plants growing along a 20-km section of Japan''s Route 51, one of the main land transportation routes in central Japan for imports of GM oilseed rape from the Port of Kashima into Keiyo District. Oilseed rape plants were found each year, but the number of plants varied substantially during the three years of our study: 2162 plants in 2005, 4066 in 2006, and only 278 in 2007. The low number in 2007 was probably caused by roadwork. Herbicide-resistant individuals were detected in the three consecutive years (26, 8, and 5 individuals with glyphosate resistance), but glufosinate-resistant plants (9 individuals) were detected only in 2005. The roadside plants occurred mainly along the inbound lane from Kashima to Narita. These plants are likely to have their origin in seeds spilled during transportation of cargo from the port, since there are no potential natural seed source plants for B. napus near Route 51. This is the first detailed report on the transition and distribution of herbicide-resistant oilseed rape plants following loss and spillage along Japanese roads.', 'en_US'),
(3665, 'Plant fitness assessment for wild relatives of insect resistant crops.', 'Risk assessments of new insect-resistant crops will need to estimate the potential for increased weediness of wild crop relatives as a consequence of gene flow. When field experiments are precluded by containment concerns, simulation experiments can identify hazards or measure expected differences between GMOs and parental plants. To measure plant fitness consequences of wild plant protection from Bt-susceptible herbivores, we used topical sprays of bacterial Bacillus thuringiensis larvacide (Bt) on Brassica rapa. Spontaneous crosses between B. rapa and Bt cole crops cannot be precluded, especially if adoption of Bt varieties leads to high exposure. We compared survivorship and seed output of B. rapa that were either protected from or exposed to Bt-susceptible Lepidoptera in the various conditions where hybrids are likely to occur: cultivated (disked) soil, uncultivated agricultural field margins, and nearby non-crop habitats (meadows and ruderal areas). The relative effect of herbivore protection varied among years, habitats, and populations of seedlings. In 2003–2004, Bt sprays did not result in lower herbivory on B. rapa, and plant fitness was not increased. However, in 2004–2006 B. rapa seedlings protected from Bt-susceptible herbivores lived 25% longer, on average, than those that were exposed to these herbivores. In addition, an average B. rapa seedling sprayed with Bt throughout its lifetime was twice as likely to produce siliques and had 251% of the seed output of a seedling exposed to herbivores. The fitness advantage of Bt-based plant protection was apparent in 2004–2005 in half the plants that experienced higher herbivory, and for 2005–2006, was more pronounced in agricultural habitats than in meadows with established, perennial vegetation and less disturbance. Positive effects of Bt-based plant protection and greater fitness in disturbed habitats suggest that crop-wild gene flow may benefit weed populations, and that field tests with herbivore exclusion/addition experiments are feasible alternatives when molecular containment of transgenes restricts field experiments with insect resistant crop-wild hybrids.', 'en_US'),
(3666, 'Gene stacking in transgenic plants: towards compliance between definitions, terminology, and detection within the EU regulatory framework.', 'The combination or stacking of different traits or genes in plants is rapidly gaining popularity in biotech crop production. Here we review the existing terminology regarding gene stacking in plants, and its implications in relation to genetics, biosafety, detectability and European regulations. Different methods of production of stacked gene traits, as well as the status of their cultivation and approval, are reviewed. Related to the different techniques of transformation and production, including classical breeding, and to differences in global authorization and commercialization practices, there are many types, definitions, and perceptions of stacking. These include: (1) stacking of traits and (2) stacking of events, which are the most widely accepted perceptions of stacking, and (3) stacking of genes, which from the analytical and traceability point of view may be a more appropriate perception. These differences in perceptions and definitions are discussed, as are their implications for analytical detection and regulatory compliance according to (in particular) European Union (EU) regulations. A comprehensive terminology regarding gene stacking with regulatory relevance is proposed. The haploid genome equivalent is proposed as the prevailing unit of measurement at all stages throughout the chain, in order to ensure that terminology and definitions of gene stacks are adapted to analytical detection, traceability, and compliance with EU regulations.', 'en_US'),
(3667, 'Investigating recombinant protein exudation from roots of transgenic tobacco.', 'It is widely acknowledged that plant-made pharmaceuticals (PMPs) offer numerous benefits, including inexpensive production, biological safety and the facility for production at agricultural scale. At the same time, it is important to minimize any potential risk associated with this new technology, including the potential release of bioactive proteins into the environment. To address this issue, we studied transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana and Nicotiana tabacum plants expressing two recombinant single-chain variable fragment (scFv) antibodies, respectively scFvB9 and scFvH10. ScFvB9 was raised against glycoprotein G1 of Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), and scFvH10 was raised against human tumor-associated antigen tenascin-C. Both antibodies were targeted to the secretory pathway using the N-terminal signal peptide from Phaseolus vulgaris polygalacturonase-inhibiting protein (PGIP), and scFvH10 carried in addition a C-terminal KDEL tetrapeptide for retention in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Sterile hydroponic cultures were established, allowing us to investigate whether scFvB9 and scFvH10 were present in root exudates. Intercellular fluids extracted from different plant tissues were analyzed by western blotting revealing the presence of scFvB9. Successful secretion of scFvB9 in hydroponic medium was also demonstrated, whereas no scFvH10 could be detected in the leaf, stem or root apoplast, nor secreted into the hydroponic medium. Our results show that scFvH10 release or diffusion from the roots of transgenic plants was not occurring, suggesting that the KDEL signal might contribute to the environmental biosafety of crops producing PMPs.', 'en_US'),
(3668, 'Dispersal of viable row-crop seeds of commercial agriculture by farmland birds: implication for genetically modified crops.', 'To address some concerns about the expansion of genetically engineered pharmaceutical and industrial crops to outdoor plantings and potential impacts on the human food supply, we determined whether commercial agriculture seeds of maize or corn Zea mays L., barley Hordeum vulgare L., safflower Carthamus tinctorius L. and rice Oryza sativa L. are digested or pass viably through the digestive tract, or are transported externally, by captive mallard ducks Anas platyrhynchos L., ring-necked pheasants Phasianus colchicus L., red-winged blackbirds Agelaius phoeniceus (L.) and rock pigeons Columba livia Gmelin (with the exception of whole maize seeds which were too large to feed to the blackbirds). These crop seeds, whether free-fed or force-fed, did not pass through the digestive tract of these bird species. The birds nonetheless did retain viable seeds in the esophagus/crop and gizzard for several hours. For example, after foraging for 6 h, mallards had retained an average of 228 +/-112 barley seeds and pheasants 192 +/-78 in the esophagus/crop, and their germination rates were 93 and 50%, respectively. Birds externally transported seeds away from the feeding location, but in only four instances were seeds found attached to their muddy feet or legs and in no case to feathers. Risk of such crop seeds germinating, establishing and reproducing off site after transport by a bird (externally or internally) or movement of a carcass by a predator, will depend greatly on the crop and bird species, location, environmental conditions (including soil characteristics), timing, and seed condition.', 'en_US'),
(3669, '9th international symposium on the biosafety of genetically modified organisms-session II: identifying and defining hazards and potential consequences I: concepts for problem formulation and non-target risk assessment.', 'The scientific organizers of the symposium put much emphasis on the identification and definition of hazard and the potential consequences thereof and three full sessions with a total of 13 presentations encompassing a wide range of related themes were planned for this topic. Unfortunately, one talk had to be cancelled because of illness of the speaker (BM Khadi, India). Some presentations covered conceptual approaches for environmental risk assessment (ERA) of GM plants (problem formulation in the risk assessment framework, familiarity approach, tiered and methodological frameworks, non-target risk assessment) and the use of models in assessing invasiveness and weediness of GM plants. Other presentations highlighted the lessons learned for future ERA from case studies and commercialized GM crops, and from monitoring of unintended releases to the environment. When the moderators of the three sessions came together after the presentations to align their summaries, there was an obvious need to restructure the 12 presentations in a way that allowed for a consistent summarizing discussion. The following new organization of the 12 talks was chosen: (1) Concepts for problem formulation and non-target risk assessment (2) Modeling as a tool for predicting invasiveness of GM plants (3) Case-studies of ERA of large-scale release (4) Lessons learned for ERA from a commercialized GM plant (5) Monitoring of unintended release of Bt maize in Mexico. The new thematic structure facilitates a more in-depth discussion of the presentations related to a specific topic, and the conclusions to be drawn are thus more consistent. Each moderator agreed to take responsibility for summarizing one or more themes and to prepare the respective report.', 'en_US'),
(3670, 'Tracing field hybridization in Ryegrass species using microsatellite and morphological markers.', 'We have assessed the utility of morphological and microsatellite markers for tracing field hybridization between Lolium multiflorum and Lolium perenne in cereal-enclosed gene flow plots. The presence of awns on the inflorescence of F1 hybrids was found to be a reliable, but underscoring, indicator of L. multiflorum paternity in L. perenne derived seed as determined by inheritance of species-specific alleles at the microsatellite locus ''H01 H06'' in these progeny. A positive correlation was evident in the experimental treatment between the number of pollen donor plants in a given plot and the frequency of hybrid F1 seed harvested from pollen receptor plants in that plot. These experiments have established the utility of naturally occurring heritable markers for the measurement of gene flow rates in field Ryegrass populations, with particular significance for risk assessment modeling of potential gene flow from transgenic grass cultivars.', 'en_US'),
(3671, 'Hybridization between oilseed rape (Brassica napus) and different populations and species of Raphanus.', 'When cultivating genetically modified varieties, the spontaneous gene flow between crop and wild relatives could be of concern. We analyzed spontaneous hybridization between a transgenic male-sterile line of oilseed rape (Brassica napus, 2n=38, AACC) and, as pollen donors, three European populations of wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum, 2n=18, Rr,Rr) and a variety of cultivated radish (Raphanus sativus, 2n=18, RR). Seeds showed size and shape dimorphism that correlated to the frequency of hybrids. The offspring were scored morphologically and analyzed using DNA markers (inter-simple sequence repeats) to quantify hybrid frequencies. Seed set ranged from 0.4-1.2 seeds per pod, and 0.02-0.6 seeds per pod were confirmed as hybrids. The frequency of confirmed hybrids differed significantly among populations of R. raphanistrum. In the cross with a French population, all offspring were hybrids; in the cross with a Swiss population, 53% of the offspring were hybrids; and in the cross with a Danish population, only 2% of the offspring were found to be hybrids. The remaining offspring apparently belonged to two groups: the majority was B. napus-like plants, possibly of matromorphic origin, and a minority from the Danish cross seemed to carry fragments of the Raphanus genome. In the cross with a cultivated R. sativus, all offspring were found to be hybrids. This is the first report on spontaneous hybridization between B. napus and R. sativus. Hybrids from all cross-combinations had low pollen fertility (0-15%). If R. raphanistrum occurs where male-sterile B. napus is cultivated, large regional differences in hybridization frequencies between the species could complicate environmental risk assessment of transgenic oilseed rape.', 'en_US');
INSERT INTO `bibliography_bibliography_i18n` (`id`, `title`, `abstract`, `locale`) VALUES
(3672, 'The responses of crop-wild Brassica hybrids to simulated herbivory and interspecific competition: Implications for transgene introgression.', 'Brassica rapa grows as a wild and weedy species throughout the world and is the most likely recipient of transgenes from GM oilseed rape. For transgene introgression to occur, the critical step which must be realized, is the formation of an F1 hybrid. Concerns exist that hybrid populations could be more vigorous and competitive compared to the parental species. This study examines the effect of simulated herbivory and interspecific competition on the vegetative and reproductive performance of non-transgenic F1 hybrids and their parental lines. Several vegetative and reproductive performance measures were used to determine the effect of simulated herbivory and competition on the Brassica lines, including leaf length and biomass for herbivory and seedling height and biomass for competition. For defoliation experiments, B. rapa showed little response in terms of leaf length but B. napus and the F1 hybrid responded negatively. Brassica rapa showed elevated biomass responses, but B. napus and the hybrid demonstrated negative responses to defoliation. Defoliation at the cotyledon stage had a slight effect upon final biomass with the F1 hybrid performing significantly worse than B. napus, although seed counts were not significantly different. For the series of competition experiments, hybrids seemed to be more similar to B. rapa in terms of early seedling growth and reproductive measures. The underperformance of hybrid plants when challenged by herbivory and competition, could potentially decrease survivorship and explain the rarity of hybrids in field surveys. However, should transgene introgression occur, the dynamics of hybrids could change radically thus increasing the risk of gene flow from a transgenic oilseed rape crop to the wild recipient.', 'en_US'),
(3673, 'Spatial distribution of Aglais urticae (L.) and its host plant Urtica dioica (L.) in an agricultural landscape: implications for Bt maize risk assessment and post-market monitoring.', 'Over the past decades, genes of Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Berliner) (Bt) coding for protein toxins have been engineered into maize for protection against the European Corn Borer (Ostrinia nubilalis (Hbn.)). However, these transgenic plants may have an impact on non-target organisms. In particular, a potential hazard was identified for non-target lepidopteran larvae, if they consume Bt maize pollen on their host plants. Risk can be defined as a function of the effect of an event (hazard) and the likelihood of this event occurring. Although data on toxicity (hazard) are available from many lab and field studies, knowledge about the environmental exposure of European lepidopteran larvae is incomplete at the population level. Therefore we studied the distribution of small tortoiseshell caterpillars (Aglais urticae (L.)) and its host plant in an agricultural landscape in Germany, to estimate the potential population exposure to maize pollen. The results showed that larvae of the small tortoiseshell developed primarily on freshly sprouted nettle stands (Urtica dioica (L.)) in field margins, rather than adjacent to hedges and groves. However, the main distribution was at margins of cereal (non-maize) fields, where 70% of all larvae were found. This may be due the fact that cereals covered 54% of the survey area, while maize only covered 6.1%. On the other hand, maize fields seem so show higher food plant densities than cereal crops. The results must be interpreted carefully, as the data basis of the present study is very small, and the situation can vary between years due to crop rotation or other changes in agricultural practices. Therefore it is still questionable whether the small tortoiseshell is significantly exposed to maize pollen. For a conclusive risk assessment, more replications and surveys of larger areas in different intensively managed agricultural landscapes over several years are needed.', 'en_US'),
(3674, 'An attempt to identify recombinants between two sobemoviruses in doubly infected oat plants.', 'Recombination in RNA viruses is considered to play a major role as a driving force in virus variability to counterbalance loss in fitness that can be due to the accumulation of detrimental mutations. Studies on mixed infections are pertinent for understanding the role of recombination in virus evolution. They also provide important baseline information for studying the biosafety of plants expressing viral sequences. To investigate the possibility of RNA recombination occurrence between two sobemoviruses under little or no selection pressure, we co-infected test plants with Cocksfoot mottle virus (CfMV) and Ryegrass mottle virus (RGMoV). CfMV and RGMoV were selected because of their overlapping host range and geographical distribution. First, symptom development of both viruses in barley (Hordeum vulgare) and oat (Avena sativa) was examined. Both viruses generated quite strong infection symptoms in oat, but synergism was not detected. RGMoV was lethal for barley, whereas CfMV infection in barley was nearly symptomless. RT-PCR analysis revealed 100% infection with both viruses in oat but not in barley. Therefore, an RNA recombination study of CfMV and RGMoV was performed in oat. 105 plants were co-inoculated with both viruses and putative recombinational hot spot regions were screened for recombination events by RT-PCR analysis at a sensitivity level down to 0.1-100 pg of viral genomic RNA. No recombination events between the two sobemoviruses were detected.', 'en_US'),
(3675, 'Natural variation in crop composition and the impact of transgenesis.', 'Compositional equivalence of crops improved through biotech-derived transgenic, or genetically modified (GM), traits and their conventional (non-GM) comparators is an important criterion in breeding as well as a key aspect of risk assessments of commercial candidates. We present here an analysis evaluated from compositional data on GM corn and GM soybean varieties grown across a range of geographies and growing seasons with the aim of not only assessing the relative impact of transgene insertion on compositional variation in comparison with the effect of environmental factors but also reviewing the implications of these results on the safety assessment process.', 'en_US'),
(3676, 'Peer-reviewed surveys indicate positive impact of commercialized GM crops.', 'The benefits of genetically modified (GM) crops continue to be disputed, despite rapid and widespread adoption since their commercial introduction in the United States and Canada in 1995. Last year, 14 million farmers in 25 countries grew GM crops commercially, over 90% of them small farmers in developing countries.', 'en_US'),
(3677, 'The contraction of agbiotech product quality innovation.', 'Agbiotech innovations that directly benefit users beyond the farm gate—such as nutritional content, ripening control or processing characteristics—have not been commercialized to nearly the same extent as pest-control traits like insect resistance and herbicide tolerance. Product quality or ''output'' traits have been anticipated since the earliest days of plant genetic engineering.', 'en_US'),
(3678, 'Detection of genetically modified organisms—closing the gaps.', 'Precise and accurate detection methods are a prerequisite for reliable control of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) on the market. GMO detection laboratories mostly rely on PCR technology or quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) to detect genetic elements, the presence of which allows discrimination between GMOs and non-GMOs.', 'en_US'),
(3679, 'Enrichment of tomato fruit with health-promoting anthocyanins by expression of select transcription factors.', 'Dietary consumption of anthocyanins, a class of pigments produced by higher plants, has been associated with protection against a broad range of human diseases. However, anthocyanin levels in the most commonly eaten fruits and vegetables may be inadequate to confer optimal benefits. When we expressed two transcription factors from snapdragon in tomato, the fruit of the plants accumulated anthocyanins at levels substantially higher than previously reported for efforts to engineer anthocyanin accumulation in tomato and at concentrations comparable to the anthocyanin levels found in blackberries and blueberries. Expression of the two transgenes enhanced the hydrophilic antioxidant capacity of tomato fruit threefold and resulted in fruit with intense purple coloration in both peel and flesh. In a pilot test, cancer-susceptible Trp53-/- mice fed a diet supplemented with the high-anthocyanin tomatoes showed a significant extension of life span.', 'en_US'),
(3680, 'Field-evolved resistance to Bt toxins.', 'An article by Tabashnik et al. in your February issue states that, for the first time, the frequency of resistant alleles has increased substantially and that there is field-evolved Bacillus thuringiensis toxin (Bt) resistance in bollworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), in the United States because of the extensive use of Bt cotton. Tabashnik et al.H.', 'en_US'),
(3681, 'Trace and traceability—a call for regulatory harmony.', 'Genetically modified (GM) crops were grown commercially in 23 countries in 2007, with a further 29 allowing the import of GM crops for food and/or feed use and release into the environment. Despite encouraging evidence concerning the positive socioeconomic and environmental benefits brought about by the adoption of GM technology, we wish to highlight the fact that further development is being hampered by a lack of harmonization among national regulatory frameworks relating to research, biosafety and to the trade and use of GM crops.', 'en_US'),
(3682, 'Insect resistance to Bt crops: evidence versus theory.', 'Evolution of insect resistance threatens the continued success of transgenic crops producing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins that kill pests. The approach used most widely to delay insect resistance to Bt crops is the refuge strategy, which requires refuges of host plants without Bt toxins near Bt crops to promote survival of susceptible pests. However, large-scale tests of the refuge strategy have been problematic. Analysis of more than a decade of global monitoring data reveals that the frequency of resistance alleles has increased substantially in some field populations of Helicoverpa zea, but not in five other major pests in Australia, China, Spain and the United States. The resistance of H. zea to Bt toxin Cry1Ac in transgenic cotton has not caused widespread crop failures, in part because other tactics augment control of this pest. The field outcomes documented with monitoring data are consistent with the theory underlying the refuge strategy, suggesting that refuges have helped to delay resistance.', 'en_US'),
(3683, 'Folate fortification of rice by metabolic engineering.', 'Rice, the world''s major staple crop, is a poor source of essential micronutrients, including folates (vitamin B9). We report folate biofortification of rice seeds achieved by overexpressing two Arabidopsis thaliana genes of the pterin and para-aminobenzoate branches of the folate biosynthetic pathway from a single locus. We obtained a maximal enhancement as high as 100 times above wild type, with 100 g of polished raw grains containing up to four times the adult daily folate requirement.', 'en_US'),
(3684, 'Silencing a cotton bollworm P450 monooxygenase gene by plant-mediated RNAi impairs larval tolerance of gossypol.', 'We identify a cytochrome P450 gene (CYP6AE14) from cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera), which permits this herbivore to tolerate otherwise inhibitory concentrations of the cotton metabolite, gossypol. CYP6AE14 is highly expressed in the midgut and its expression correlates with larval growth when gossypol is included in the diet. When larvae are fed plant material expressing double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) specific to CYP6AE14, levels of this transcript in the midgut decrease and larval growth is retarded. Both effects are more dramatic in the presence of gossypol. As a glutathione-S-transferase gene (GST1) is silenced in GST1 dsRNA–expressing plants, feeding insects plant material expressing dsRNA may be a general strategy to trigger RNA interference and could find applications in entomological research and field control of insect pests.', 'en_US'),
(3685, 'The status of GM rice R and D in China.', 'Rice products originating from China have recently encountered trade restrictions in Europe because of concerns over the presence of unapproved genetically modified (GM) rice expressing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxin. As Beijing is currently considering the first market authorizations for several GM rice varieties, and detailed information on GM rice development in China remains difficult to access, we have undertaken a comprehensive and detailed analysis of the current status of GM rice R&D in the country.', 'en_US'),
(3686, 'Fatal flaws in agbiotech regulatory policies.', 'The major national regulatory regimes for agbiotech products fail to satisfy scientific legitimacy on several counts.', 'en_US'),
(3687, 'Legal aspects of the protection of transgenic cultivars.', 'Transgenic cultivars are obtained by the introduction of genes from different species directly into the plant genome. On the one hand these cultivars represent a major advance in genetic improvement, and on the other can contribute to a real monopoly in the seed market owing to the existing legal systems of protection. Of great interest in respect of the development of transgenic cultivars is the process of patenting biotechnology products under Brazilian Industrial Property Law. Theoretically, the patent holder of a transgenic gene could control all cultivars into which the gene is introduced. One way of preventing this has been the institution in Brazil of the Plant Cultivar Protection Act. Both these bills give the patent holders and the holders of the cultivars the right to receive royalties on the use and/or commercialization of patented or protected material. Therefore, transgenic crops can, in a sense, be covered by two laws, which has sometimes led to conflicts. However, only the process and the biotechnology products involved in the production of genetically modified organisms and not the transgenic cultivar obtained can be patented. The cultivar itself is only protected under the Plant Cultivar Protection Act after issuance of a conclusive technical opinion by CTNBio (the Brazilian National Technical Commission on Biosafety). After that, seed can be marketed in the country, although it must be registered in the National Register of Plant Cultivars. Details are included of certified conventional and transgenic cultivars of a large range of Brazilian crops, and of the effect of royalties on the final product cost of protected cultivars.', 'en_US'),
(3688, 'Biosafety and society.', 'Biosafety constitutes all studies and procedures designed to prevent or control hazards caused by the use of chemical, physical and biological agents to biodiversity. The specific study of the impacts of biotechnology on human and animal health and the environment is governed in various countries by laws, procedures or specific policies. In Brazil, the National Technical Commission on Biosafety (CTNBio) is a collegiate multidisciplinary authority created by Law no. 11.105 of 24 March 2005, which aims to provide support and technical consultancy and advisory services to the Brazilian federal government on (i) the formulation, updating and implementation of the national policy on biosafety of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and (ii) the establishment of technical safety standards and the provision of technical advice regarding the protection of human health, living organisms and the environment, in relation to activities involving all aspects of GMOs and their products (development, experimentation, cultivation, manipulation, transport, marketing, consumption, storage, release, disposal). Biosafety legislation in Brazil comprises only the technology of genetic engineering, and that of recombinant DNA\r\ntechnology, and the establishment of requirements for the handling of GMOs.\r\n', 'en_US'),
(3689, 'Assessing biosafety of GM plants containing lectins.', 'The introduction of genetic engineering has already shown its benefits in transferring genes into crop plants and conferring resistance towards pests. Most of these crop plants on the market have been transformed with the cry genes from Bacillus species, conferring resistance towards certain insects. However, since the cry genes are not active against all insects, e.g. sap-sucking insects, other genes coding for proteins such as lectins show promise of complementing the cry genes for insect resistance. As with other novel plants, lectin-expressing plants will need to be assessed for their potential risks to human and animal health and the environment. The expressed lectin protein should be assessed on its own for potential toxicity and allergenicity as for any other new protein. Although not many lectins have been thoroughly tested for their toxicity, our evaluation suggests that most of the lectins that are potentially useful for insect resistance will pose no health risk in genetically modified (GM) plants. Since some lectins are known for their toxicity to humans, the insertion of lectin genes in food crop plants will have to be assessed carefully. It is expected that in some cases there will be a need to perform animal tests of such GM plants in order to eliminate any uncertainties about potential safety issues for these plants. A 90-day study designed and optimized for this purpose is suggested as one way to cope with these uncertainties.', 'en_US'),
(3690, 'Bt plants and effects on soil micro-organisms.', 'The continued and increasing adoption of genetically modified plants (GMPs) in agriculture has raised both perspectives on increasing the productivity and some concern over their potential effects on the environment, especially on soil. These effects include unintentional changes in the chemical compositions of root exudates, and the direct or indirect effects of transgenic plants on non-target species of soil micro-organisms that have a key role in the maintenance of soil quality and environmental sustainability. Therefore any change to the quality of crop residues and rhizosphere inputs could modify the dynamics of the composition and activity of organisms in soil. One of the most common transgenic traits in commercial GMPs is insect resistance based on the expression of Cry toxin derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), and it is crucial that risk assessment studies on the use of Bt crops consider the impacts on micro-organisms in soil. This review summarizes the results of most of the studies that have been conducted to specifically test the effects of Bt plants on soil microbial communities, and examines the role of soil properties as one of the most important factors to be considered to study the interactions between micro-organisms and Bt plants. Most studies suggest that the Bt plants that have been released for commercial purposes could cause small changes in microbial communities and these are often transient in duration. However, experimental results are often contrasting and, given our limited knowledge of the soil system and the linkage with the soil microbial community''s diversity and function, more work needs to be done on a case-by-case basis to further evaluate the effects of Bt plants on soil micro-organisms and soil ecosystem functions.', 'en_US'),
(3691, 'Studies on insect diversity related to genetically engineered vitamin A rice under large scale production.', 'This study was carried out to develop of macro-protocol and the biosafety guide for ''Nakdong'', and ''Golden Rice'' (genetically modified vitamin A rice) by large scale field trial of GM crops. Typically, when a new GM crop is created, breeders should conduct field test to make sure the GM crop is safe, and provide some information on GM crops for approval. A total of isolated 4,700 m field for trial of GM crops were prepared, and ''Nakdong'' and ''Golden rice'' were cultivated by standard method of RDA (Rural Development Administration, Korea). Field studies indicated that the population densities of insect pests and natural enemies have no difference between two varieties. While insect pest density on ''Nakdong'' was slightly higher than on Golden Rice, but natural enemy density on Golden Rice was a little higher. These results provided the insect diversity for risk assessment analysis of Golden Rice and suggested that the macro-protocol could be useful to detect GM plants.', 'en_US'),
(3692, 'Insights into the biotech policy and Europeans tendency.', 'This paper reviews the evolution of biotechnology policies and legislation in the European Union, focusing on genetically modified crops as a major biotechnological breakthrough. Policies that aim to address biosafety issues associated with transgenic crops are discussed. A case study on the political and legislative aspects of the release of maize MON810 in Austria is presented.', 'en_US'),
(3693, 'Development and validation of atmospheric gene flow model for assessing environmental risks from transgenic corn crops.', 'Pollen-mediated gene flow from genetically modified plants to non-target plants is a concern of crop growers, seed companies, the general public, and the scientific communities. Although there have been descriptive and mechanistic models to describe pollen dispersion, there has rarely been a comprehensive mechanistic model to dynamically simulate pollen release, dispersion, and deposition and to finally relate them to the gene flow (outcrossing). This research developed and validated such a comprehensive mechanistic model for corn crop gene flow risk management. Dynamic pollen dispersion and deposition were predicted by a 3-D random walk model according to inputs of weather data and plant and domain characteristics. Actual gene flow (outcrossing ratio) was obtained according to predicted grand total deposition flux at silk height during the whole pollination season. The model was validated by experimental data and was appropriate to predict gene flow with acceptable accuracy under different atmospheric and environmental conditions; on average, the ratios of measured and simulated values ranged from 0.82 to 1.21, while R2 ranged from 0.56 to 0.68. The model can be easily adapted for other genetically modified crops.', 'en_US'),
(3694, 'Estimating western corn rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) larval susceptibility to event DAS-59122-7 maize.', 'Susceptibility of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (LeConte) larvae to DAS-59122-7 maize was evaluated using a laboratory technique that measures rootworm survival to adulthood on maize seedlings. This method produces direct measures of larval susceptibility using realistic exposure to the same range of insecticidal protein concentrations found in field-grown DAS-59122-7 maize roots. First, second and third instars were reared to adulthood on DAS-59122-7 maize seedlings or a non-transgenic, near-isoline maize. Data on survival, adult gender ratio, adult weight and median emergence were collected. Overall, larval susceptibility to DAS-59122-7 maize was lower than earlier predictions (Storer et al. 2006). Neonate survival on DAS-59122-7 maize was approximately 33% of isoline survival after 17 days, and the same 33% recovered and developed to adulthood when the isoline maize was substituted. Survival rate on DAS-59122-7 maize increased with instar. The mean survivorship was 0.5%, 26% and 65% when exposure to DAS-59122-7 maize began at the first, second and third instars, respectively. Exposure to DAS-59122-7 maize led to sub-lethal effects on adult gender ratio, weight and median emergence. These effects decreased when exposure to DAS-59122-7 maize began at later instars. The killing effect of DAS-59122-7 maize on rootworm larvae appeared to result from the combined chronic effects and absence of a suitable host as perceived by the larvae. The relevance of these data and the methodology of estimating rootworm susceptibility to plant-incorporated protectants are discussed in the context of the US Environmental Protection Agency''s functional definition of ''high dose'' and use of refuge for resistance management (EPA 1998a). Based on these results it is evident that DAS-59122-7 maize does not meet the functional definitions of high dose as described by EPA (1998a,b) and ILSI (1999), and the utility of refuge, refuge size and refuge placement for delaying rootworm resistance should be further investigated.', 'en_US'),
(3695, 'High susceptibility of Bt maize to aphids enhances the performance of parasitoids of lepidopteran pests.', 'Concerns about possible undesired environmental effects of transgenic crops have prompted numerous evaluations of such crops. So-called Bt crops receive particular attention because they carry bacteria-derived genes coding for insecticidal proteins that might negatively affect non-target arthropods. Here we show a remarkable positive effect of Bt maize on the performance of the corn leaf aphid Rhopalosiphum maidis, which in turn enhanced the performance of parasitic wasps that feed on aphid honeydew. Within five out of six pairs that were evaluated, transgenic maize lines were significantly more susceptible to aphids than their near-isogenic equivalents, with the remaining pair being equally susceptible. The aphids feed from the phloem sieve element content and analyses of this sap in selected maize lines revealed marginally, but significantly higher amino acid levels in Bt maize, which might partially explain the observed increased aphid performance. Larger colony densities of aphids on Bt plants resulted in an increased production of honeydew that can be used as food by beneficial insects. Indeed, Cotesia marginiventris, a parasitoid of lepidopteran pests, lived longer and parasitized more pest caterpillars in the presence of aphid-infested Bt maize than in the presence of aphid-infested isogenic maize. Hence, depending on aphid pest thresholds, the observed increased susceptibility of Bt maize to aphids may be either a welcome or an undesirable side effect.', 'en_US'),
(3696, 'A meta-analysis of effects of Bt crops on honey bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae).', 'Background -- Honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) are the most important pollinators of many agricultural crops worldwide and are a key test species used in the tiered safety assessment of genetically engineered insect-resistant crops. There is concern that widespread planting of these transgenic crops could harm honey bee populations. Methodology/Principal Findings -- We conducted a meta-analysis of 25 studies that independently assessed potential effects of Bt Cry proteins on honey bee survival (or mortality). Our results show that Bt Cry proteins used in genetically modified crops commercialized for control of lepidopteran and coleopteran pests do not negatively affect the survival of either honey bee larvae or adults in laboratory settings. Conclusions/Significance -- Although the additional stresses that honey bees face in the field could, in principle, modify their susceptibility to Cry proteins or lead to indirect effects, our findings support safety assessments that have not detected any direct negative effects of Bt crops for this vital insect pollinator.', 'en_US'),
(3697, 'Survey of genetically modified organisms in the European Union and the Republic of Croatia.', 'According to the definition of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC 2001) adopted by the ''Cartagena protocol on biological safety'' modern biotechnology is defined as in vitro application of nucleic acids modification technique including recombinant deoxiribonucleic acid (DNA). Application of modern technology in food production poses new possibilities and challenges for the health of people and for economic development as well.', 'en_US'),
(3698, 'Adverse interactions between micro-RNAs and target genes from different species.', 'It is commonly assumed but not proven that microRNAs (miRNAs) and their targets coevolve. Under this assumption, miRNAs and targets from different species may interact adversely, resulting in reduced fitness. However, the strength of the adverse interactions may not be detectable because even outright deletions of miRNAs often manifest only subtle fitness effects. We tested and measured the strength of heterospecific interactions by carrying out transgenic experiments across Drosophila species by overexpressing the miR310s cluster of Drosophila melanogaster (Dm310s) and Drosophila pseudoobscura (Dp310s) in D. melanogaster. Flies overexpressing the heterospecific Dp310s are only one-third as viable as those overexpressing the conspecific Dm310s. The viability effect is easily detectable in comparison to the effect of the deletion of miR310s. The number of genes significantly misexpressed under the influence of Dp310s is 3-10 times greater than under Dm310s. Importantly, the numbers of predicted targets are similar between them. Expression analysis of the predicted target genes suggests that miRNAs may sometimes function to buffer fluctuations in the transcriptome output. After the buffering function has evolved, heterospecific combinations may cause adverse effects.', 'en_US'),
(3699, 'PCR detection method for genetically modified ingredient in honey.', 'Cotton is one of the major honey-source plants. There are mostly genetically modified cotton has been planted in China, in recent years. It raises a concern in consumer wether there are any genetically modified organism in honey. In this research, we used phosphate buffered saline (PBS) to separate high amount of polysaccharide from honey, and improved the concentration of NaCl in extraction buffer to remove the residual polysaccharide, average DNA yield is 486 ng/mL, the ratio of OD260/OD280 is 2.01, and the extracted DNA can meet the requirements of follow-up qualitative PCR testing. The foreign DNA from genetically modified cotton source honey has been detected by PCR. This research would be helpful to improve regulations on genetically modified foods labeling, supervise genetically modified food, reduce trade friction, and protect consumer rights.', 'en_US'),
(3700, 'Baseline sensitivity of lepidopteran corn pests in India to Cry1Ab insecticidal protein of Bacillus thuringiensis.', 'BACKGROUND: Genetically engineered corn (Bt corn) expressing Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner insecticidal protein Cry1Ab is a biotechnological option being considered for management of lepidopteran corn pests in India. As a resistance management practice it was essential to determine the sensitivity of multiple populations of the stalk borer Chilo partellus (Swinhoe), pink borer Sesamia inferens (Walker) and the cob borer Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) to Cry1Ab protein through bioassays. The insect populations were collected during growing seasons of Rabi 2005 (October 2005 to February 2006) and Kharif 2006 (May to September 2006). RESULTS: Multiple populations of the three lepidopteran corn pests were found to be susceptible to Cry1Ab. Median lethal concentrations (LC50) ranged between 0.008 and 0.068 microg Cry1Ab mL-1 diet for 18 populations of C. partellus (across two seasons), between 0.12 and 1.99 microg mL-1 for seven populations of H. armigera and between 0.46 and 0.56 microg mL-1 for two populations of S. inferens. CONCLUSION: Dose-response concentrations for lethality and growth inhibition have been determined to mark baseline sensitivity of multiple populations of key lepidopteran corn pests in India to Cry1Ab protein. These benchmark values will be referenced while monitoring resistance to Cry1Ab should Bt corn hybrids expressing Cry1Ab be approved for commercial cultivation in India.', 'en_US'),
(3701, 'Labels for GM foods: what can they do?', 'Labelling of genetically modified foods is a contentious issue and internationally there is sharp division on whether such labels ought to be mandatory. This debate has reached India where the government has proposed mandatory labels. Mandatory labelling aims to provide greater information and correspondingly more informed consumer choice. However, even without such laws, markets have incentives to supply labels. So can mandatory labelling achieve outcomes different from the voluntary type? The paper argues that this is not the case in most situations. It goes on to explore the special set of circumstances, where mandatory labels make a difference to outcomes. If these outcomes are intended, mandatory labelling is justified; otherwise not. Although the Indian context provides the motivation, the core arguments given are general and applicable to other country contexts as well.', 'en_US'),
(3702, 'Long-term feeding of genetically modified corn (MON810) -- Fate of cry1Ab DNA and recombinant protein during the metabolism of the dairy cow.', 'The objective of this study was to investigate the fate of transgenic cry1Ab DNA and the encoded Cry1Ab protein during the metabolic degradation of dietary feed components in dairy cows and a potential transfer to blood, milk, feces or urine. A 25-month long-term feeding trial was conducted on thirty-six Simmentaler cows allocated in two groups fed diets containing either genetically modified corn (MON810, N=18) or the near-isogenic corn variety (N=18). The nutrients and energy contents of both maize varieties were comparable, ensuring equivalent feed conditions. Due to infertility or other production associated diseases, nine cows per group had to be culled and were replaced by heifers. Feed samples were collected weekly, whereas samples for feces, blood and milk were collected monthly, urine samples were taken bimonthly. All samples were analyzed for cry1Ab DNA by means of end-point PCR (feces, blood, urine) and quantitative real-time PCR (feed, milk). A sensitive and highly specific ELISA, optimized to quantify immunoreactive fragments of the Cry1Ab protein, was used to determine the recombinant protein in the collected samples. Non-transgenic feed samples were free of recombinant DNA and protein within the limit of detection, while in transgenic feed samples both, a 206 bp fragment of cry1Ab and immunoreactive fragments of the Cry1Ab protein were present. In contrast, all blood, milk and urine samples were free of recombinant DNA and protein. The cry1Ab gene was not detected in any fecal sample, whereas immunoreactive fragments of the Cry1Ab protein were detected in feces from all cows fed transgenic feed. Milk of dairy cows fed genetically modified corn for 25 months should be classified not different from milk of cows fed non-transgenic corn.', 'en_US'),
(3703, 'Dominant negative mutants of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ab toxin function as anti-toxins: demonstration of the role of oligomerization in toxicity.', 'Background: Bacillus thuringiensis Cry toxins, that are used worldwide in insect control, kill insects by a mechanism that depends on their ability to form oligomeric pores that insert into the insect-midgut cells. These toxins are being used worldwide in transgenic plants or spray to control insect pests in agriculture. However, a major concern has been the possible effects of these insecticidal proteins on non-target organisms mainly in ecosystems adjacent to agricultural fields. Methodology/Principal Findings: We isolated and characterized 11 non-toxic mutants of Cry1Ab toxin affected in different steps of the mechanism of action namely binding to receptors, oligomerization and pore-formation. These mutant toxins were analyzed for their capacity to block wild type toxin activity, presenting a dominant negative phenotype. The dominant negative phenotype was analyzed at two levels, in vivo by toxicity bioassays against susceptible Manduca sexta larvae and in vitro by pore formation activity in black lipid bilayers. We demonstrate that some mutations located in helix alpha-4 completely block the wild type toxin activity at sub-stoichiometric level confirming a dominant negative phenotype, thereby functioning as potent antitoxins. Conclusions/Significance: This is the first reported case of a Cry toxin dominant inhibitor. These data demonstrate that oligomerization is a fundamental step in Cry toxin action and represent a potential mechanism to protect special ecosystems from the possible effect of Cry toxins on non-target organisms.', 'en_US'),
(3704, 'Dispersal of transgenes through maize seed systems in Mexico.', 'Objectives: Current models of transgene dispersal focus on gene flow via pollen while neglecting seed, a vital vehicle for gene flow in centers of crop origin and diversity. We analyze the dispersal of maize transgenes via seeds in Mexico, the crop''s cradle. Methods: We use immunoassays (ELISA) to screen for the activity of recombinant proteins in a nationwide sample of farmer seed stocks. We estimate critical parameters of seed population dynamics using household survey data and combine these estimates with analytical results to examine presumed sources and mechanisms of dispersal. Results: Recombinant proteins Cry1Ab/Ac and CP4/EPSPS were found in 3.1% and 1.8% of samples, respectively. They are most abundant in southeast Mexico but also present in the west-central region. Diffusion of seed and grain imported from the United States might explain the frequency and distribution of transgenes in west-central Mexico but not in the southeast. Conclusions: Understanding the potential for transgene survival and dispersal should help design methods to regulate the diffusion of germplasm into local seed stocks. Further research is needed on the interactions between formal and informal seed systems and grain markets in centers of crop origin and diversification.', 'en_US'),
(3705, 'Compared biology and behavior of Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) and Phytoseiulus macropilis (Banks) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) on BollgardTM and non-transgenic isoline cotton.', 'The two spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, is a nontarget herbivore of Bt-cotton, but acquires and accumulates higher levels of Cry toxin than that expressed by transgenic plants. This work investigated the development and reproduction of T. urticae and of the predator Phytoseiulus macropilis Banks, during three successive generations looking for potential nontarget effect. In addition, behavioral studies on feeding preference, oviposition, and predation were carried out on Bt and non-Bt cottons. The development and reproduction of T. urticae and P. macropilis was conducted using leaf discs of Bt and non-Bt cottons. Arena containing leaf discs from both cotton types connected by a slide coverslip were also used in the behavioral studies. Averages of the three generations showed that the Bt-cotton does not affect the development, survival of immature stages, and reproductive output of T. urticae and of the predator P. macropilis. Furthermore, the preference for feeding and oviposition of T. urticae and P. macropilis were similar on both cotton types. In addition, P. macropilis exhibited similar predatory behavior on T. urticae fed on both cotton types. Levels of Cry1Ac toxin in T. urticae was 3.97 times greater than that found in the Bt-cotton plants as determined using a ELISA test. Despite of the amount of toxin acquired by the prey (T. urticae), no detectable levels of Cry1Ac were found in the predatory mite P. macropilis.', 'en_US'),
(3706, 'Evaluation of Spodoptera complex behavior with the introduction of transgenic cotton in Tolima, Colombia.', 'In this study a record and an evaluation of the Spodoptera larvae complex (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) of commercial transgenic cotton (Cry1Ac) planted in the central area of Tolima, Colombia were registered. During three plant developmental stages: vegetative, reproductive and maturity, 83 commercial plots with areas ranging from 1 to 10 hectares, were evaluated. Spodoptera complex (Spodoptera frugiperda, S. ornithogalli y S. sunia) activity was evaluated in 315 ha, sampling seven plants per hectare, including refuges (12,6 ha), taking into account three different larvae sizes, small &lt; 0.5 cm, medium &gt; 0.5 and &lt; 1.5 cm and large &gt; 1.5 cm, as well as their location in the plant (leaf, flower and structure). There were statistically significant relationships between the larvae incidence (percentage of cotton plants with Spodoptera larvae present) and the different cotton genetic materials, with a significant higher larvae incidence in the transgenic plants (11,98% SE 4,03) than in conventional plants (9,13% SE 3.08) (0,0021*). This tendency was also observed among Spodoptera complex species, both genetic materials and the three plant developmental stages. S. frugiperda prevailed in flowers and capsules, S. ornithogalli in leaves and flowers; and S. sunia in leaves. This pattern was observed in both genetic materials with statistical significance (0.0001*). Larvae of all sizes were recorded in plants of both genetic materials; although there was no statistically significative dependency. Finally, there were small, medium and large S. frugiperda larvae in flowers and capsules, structures where the Bt toxin expression is the lowest in the plant.', 'en_US'),
(3707, 'Weed control in glyphosate tolerant soybean crop.', 'This work evaluated the weed control in glyphosate tolerant soybean crop without additional management practices. Two experiments were carried out under field conditions in the agricultural years 2006/2007 and 2007/2008 in Jaboticabal, Sao Paulo State, Brazil. It was tested two glyphosate-tolerant varieties (CD 214 RR and M-SOY 8008 RR), eight herbicide treatments (Roundup Ready, single spraying at rates of 0.48; 0.72; 0.96 and 1.20 kg ha-1 of glyphosate acid equivalent, associates or not to sequential spraying at 0.48 kg ha-1), and two controls (one under mechanical control and one untreated control). Soybean varieties influenced the infestation of weed species. Xanthium strumarium was predominant in control treatments, reducing the occurrence of other weeds species. Independently of the dose, glyphosate sprayings resulted in low infestations 35 and 40 days after the first spraying, in the first and second year, respectively. The weed control in transgenic soybean is directly influenced for the glyphosate rate, having satisfactory control with the single application at 0.96 kg ha-1 or sequential at 0.48 plus 0.48 kg ha-1 of glyphosate. Under lesser infestation conditions (2006/2007), the single application at 0.48 kg ha-1 of glyphosate is enough for weed control. The varieties of transgenic soybean CD 214 RR and M-SOY 8008 RR distinguishing influence the dynamics of the weed species. The chemical control is more effective in the M-SOY 8008 RR, where it had minor diversity and development of the weed.', 'en_US'),
(3708, 'Physiological performance of soybean seeds from conventional and transgenic cultivars treated with glyphosate.', 'The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological quality of seeds from conventional (cultivar CD 216) and transgenic (cultivar CD 212RR) soybeans treated with glyphosate. Seeds were soaked in dosages of zero; 1.8; 3.6; 5.4 and 7.2 g.L-1 of acid equivalent of glyphosate for 30 minutes. Seed quality was evaluated from the tests of first count germination, germination, electrical conductivity, emergence speed index, seedling emergence, root and shoot length and total dry matter. It was concluded that the physiological quality of the CD 212RR seeds is affected by glyphosate and as dosages increased, soybean seed quality decreased. Based on this conclusion, it is important that care be taken to avoid problems with seed germination and soybean field establishment when glyphosate is used in burndown or for the control of cover crops. A certain period of time between the control of weeds or of cover plants should be respected to reduce the glyphosate transfer from target to non-target plants, thus avoiding problems with germination and soybean crop establishment.', 'en_US'),
(3709, 'No unintended impacts of transgenic pine (Pinus radiata) trees on above ground invertebrate communities.', 'As part of an investigation into the potential unintended ecological impacts of transgenic trees, invertebrates were sampled from a field trial of transgenic Pinus radiata D. Don carrying the expressed antibiotic resistance marker gene neomycin phosphotransferase II (nptII) along with other genes known to affect reproductive development in plants and from nontransformed control trees. Invertebrate species abundance, richness, diversity, and composition were measured and compared among trees of five different transclones and nontransformed isogenic control trees. Invertebrates were sampled at six-monthly intervals over a period of 2 yr. In total, 19,162 individuals were collected comprising 279 invertebrate recognizable taxonomic units. Total invertebrate populations as well as populations of herbivorous lepidopteran larvae and Hemiptera were compared among transgenic and control trees. The results show that the transclones had no significant unintended influence on species abundance, richness, diversity, or composition for all populations investigated.', 'en_US'),
(3710, 'Laboratory and field assessments of prey-mediated effects of transgenic Bt rice on Ummeliata insecticeps (Araneida: Linyphiidae).', 'One major concern regarding the release of Bt rice is its potential impact through tritrophic interactions on nontarget arthropods, especially natural enemies. We studied the effects of two Bt transgenic rice varieties, TT9-3 and KMD1, expressing Cry1Ab/Cry1Ac and Cry1Ab, respectively, on a predatory ground spider Ummeliata insecticeps (Bosenberg et Strand) supplied with Bt rice-fed brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens (Stal) nymphs. Although immunoassays confirmed that U. insecticeps ingested Bt insecticidal protein when supplied with Bt rice-fed N. lugens, no negative effects were found on its survival and development. Furthermore, the fecundity of U. insecticeps fed prey reared on Bt rice was not significantly different from that of those fed prey reared on non-Bt rice. A3-yr field trial indicated that Bt rice did not significantly affect the population density of U. insecticeps in comparison with non-Bt rice. In conclusion, the Bt rice lines tested in this study had no adverse effects on the survival, developmental time, or fecundity of U. insecticeps in the laboratory or on population dynamics in the field.', 'en_US'),
(3711, 'Effects of transgenic Bt cotton on the population density, oviposition behavior, development, and reproduction of a nontarget pest, Adelphocoris suturalis (Hemiptera: Miridae).', 'Transgenic cotton has shown great promise for the control of target pest insects; however, frequent outbreaks of nontarget pest mirids has been recorded in recent years in northern China. To test the hypothesis that transgenic cotton contributes to nontarget pest outbreaks, we studied the impact of transgenic Bt cottons (both Bt and Bt+CpTI) on the fitness of nontarget pest Adelphocoris suturalis Jakovlev. No significant differences were detected between population densities of A. suturalis in unsprayed nontransgenic cottons and in unsprayed transgenic Bt cottons in 2007, 2008, and 2009. No difference in preferred oviposition site or egg production was detected between transgenic and nontransgenic cottons in both free choice and no choice tests. No difference in life table parameters was detected for A. suturalis between Bt cottons and nontransgenic cottons. All these results indicated that transgenic crops did not contribute to the nontarget pest outbreaks when being compared with their parental lines. The possible reasons for intensified pest status of A. suturalis, such as decrease of pesticide application, deficient natural enemies, and area-wide shift of cotton varieties, were discussed.', 'en_US');
INSERT INTO `bibliography_bibliography_i18n` (`id`, `title`, `abstract`, `locale`) VALUES
(3712, 'AllerHunter: a SVM-pairwise system for assessment of allergenicity and allergic cross-reactivity in proteins.', 'Allergy is a major health problem in industrialized countries. The number of transgenic food crops is growing rapidly creating the need for allergenicity assessment before they are introduced into human food chain. While existing bioinformatic methods have achieved good accuracies for highly conserved sequences, the discrimination of allergens and non-allergens from allergen-like non-allergen sequences remains difficult. We describe AllerHunter, a web-based computational system for the assessment of potential allergenicity and allergic cross-reactivity in proteins. It combines an iterative pairwise sequence similarity encoding scheme with SVM as the discriminating engine. The pairwise vectorization framework allows the system to model essential features in allergens that are involved in cross-reactivity, but not limited to distinct sets of physicochemical properties. The system was rigorously trained and tested using 1,356 known allergen and 13,449 putative non-allergen sequences. Extensive testing was performed for validation of the prediction models. The system is effective for distinguishing allergens and non-allergens from allergen-like non-allergen sequences. Testing results showed that AllerHunter, with a sensitivity of 83.4% and specificity of 96.4% (accuracy=95.3%, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve AROC=0.928 +- 0.004 and Matthew''s correlation coefficient MCC=0.738), performs significantly better than a number of existing methods using an independent dataset of 1443 protein sequences. AllerHunter is available at http://tiger.dbs.nus.edu.sg/AllerHunter.', 'en_US'),
(3713, 'Toxicity of chlorantraniliprole to Cry1Ac-susceptible and resistant strains of Helicoverpa armigera.', 'Transgenic Bt cotton expressing Cry1Ac is important in controlling various agricultural pests, including Helicoverpa armigera. Especially for transgenic crops that are cultivated in large expanses, avoiding resistance development is a key for ensuring sustainability of Bt technologies. Integrated pest management, in which transgenic crops are strategically combined with rational pesticide use, may help to prevent H. armigera resistance acquisition in Bt cotton. In this study, we evaluated the toxicity of a novel insecticide (chlorantraniliprole) on Cry1Ac-susceptible and resistant individuals of H. armigera. More specifically, we assessed the effect of chlorantraniliprole on the activity of two enzymes and conducted laboratory bioassays to determine its toxicity on H. armigera larvae. Chlorantraniliprole increased esterase and glutathione-S-transferase activities in Cry1Ac susceptible and resistant populations of H. armigera. Cry1Ac resistant populations XJ-F (Cry1Ac resistance ratio 21.8-fold), XJ-10.0 (95.8-fold) and BTR (3536.5-fold) did not show cross-resistance to chlorantraniliprole, with LC50 values of 0.0733 (microg/mL) in XJ-F, 0.0545 (microg/ml) in XJ-10.0 and 0.0731 (microg/mL) in BTR, which were close to that in the susceptible strain 96S (0.0954 microg/mL). Our work shows that chlorantraniliprole could be considered to be integrated in Bt cotton management schemes to delay the H. armigera resistance development.', 'en_US'),
(3714, 'Stability of transgene expression as a challenge for genetic engineering.', 'The major genetic factors affecting the expression of newly introduced genes in transgenic plants including epigenetic effects are summarized. Examples of (trans)gene silencing and the genetic signals involved are given. Based on current knowledge, several strategies to generate stable transgenic lines can be followed. Although initial laboratory and field tests over few generations allow good predictions about the long-term expression stability of single transgenic lines, the combination of different events by genetic crossing raises new questions. As different transgenic lines often carry the same or similar promoter elements and as coding regions may have sequence homologies, new epigenetic interactions can arise, thus justifying thorough expression testing of stacked transformation events obtained through cross-breeding.', 'en_US'),
(3715, 'Historical and contemporary gene dispersal in wild carrot (Daucus carota ssp. carota) populations.', 'Background and Aims: Wild carrot is the ancestor of cultivated carrot and is the most important gene pool for carrot breeding. Transgenic carrot may be released into the environment in the future. The aim of the present study was to determine how far a gene can disperse in wild carrot populations, facilitating risk assessment and management of transgene introgression from cultivated to wild carrots and helping to design sampling strategies for germplasm collections. Methods: Wild carrots were sampled from Meijendel and Alkmaar in The Netherlands and genotyped with 12 microsatellite markers. Spatial autocorrelation analyses were used to detect spatial genetic structures (SGSs). Historical gene dispersal estimates were based on an isolation by distance model. Mating system and contemporary pollen dispersal were estimated using 437 offspring of 20 mothers with different spatial distances and a correlated paternity analysis in the Meijendel population. Key Results: Significant SGSs are found in both populations and they are not significantly different from each other. Combined SGS analysis indicated significant positive genetic correlations up to 27 m. Historical gene dispersal sigmag and neighbourhood size Nb were estimated to be 4-12 m 95% confidence interval (CI): 3-25 and 42-73 plants (95% CI: 28-322) in Meijendel and 10-31 m (95% CI: 7-) and 57-198 plants (95% CI: 28-) in Alkmaar with longer gene dispersal in lower density populations. Contemporary pollen dispersal follows a fat-tailed exponential-power distribution, implying pollen of wild carrots could be dispersed by insects over long distance. The estimated outcrossing rate was 96%. Conclusions: SGSs in wild carrots may be the result of high outcrossing, restricted seed dispersal and long-distance pollen dispersal. High outcrossing and long-distance pollen dispersal suggest high frequency of transgene flow might occur from cultivated to wild carrots and that they could easily spread within and between populations.', 'en_US'),
(3716, 'Towards flexible coexistence regulations for GM crops in the EU.', 'The European Union (EU) is currently facing a challenge that might unnecessarily hamper the adoption of GM crops: regulating the coexistence of genetically modified (GM) and non-GM crops. Member states are currently implementing or developing both ex ante coexistence regulations and ex post liability schemes to ensure that both GM and non-GM crops can be cultivated in the EU. In this article, we explore in detail how national and/or regional policymakers can build in a certain degree of flexibility in ex ante coexistence regulations in order to reduce the regulatory burden on certain agricultural options and avoid jeopardising the economic incentives for coexistence. We use the example of GM maize as a case study, being the only GM crop planted over a significant area in the EU. We conclude that flexibility could be integrated into regulations at different levels: (i) at the regulatory level by relaxing some of the regulatory rigidity in ex ante regulations; (ii) at the farm level by allowing the substitution of isolation distances by pollen barriers; and (iii) at the national/regional level through plural coexistence measures, consistent with heterogeneity of farming in the EU.', 'en_US'),
(3717, 'Genetically modified organisms and products in European legal context.', 'The article is focused on basic issues of the EU legislation in the area of GMOs and GM products. The treatment of genetically modified organisms and products has been regulated in the European Union since beginning of 90''s. The so called precautionary principle is the basic principle of EU legislation in this field. Therefore, the primary goal of legislation is to protect the environment and health. Contemporary EU legislation consists of three main groups dealing with harmonisation of authorisation procedure, labelling and traceability of GMOs and GM products and implementation of Cartagena Protocol in relation to transboundary movements of GMOs. The strict EU legal framework for GMOs has caused problems within international trade, particularly with USA, Canada and Argentina.', 'en_US'),
(3718, 'Yield benefit and underlying cost of insect-resistance transgenic rice: implication in breeding and deploying transgenic crops.', 'The rapid development of transgenic biotechnology has greatly promoted the commercialization of genetically modified (GM) crops including the insect-resistant crops worldwide. Apart from the enormous yield benefits brought by the GM crops, the cryptic fitness cost associated with transgenes has also been detected under experimental conditions although it is considered to be rare. To estimate the yield benefit and cost of insect-resistant GM rice, we studied field performances of three insect-resistant GM rice lines, involving their non-GM parental variety as comparison. Great benefits as estimated by the yield-related traits were observed in the GM rice lines when high insect pressure was recorded, but a cryptic yield loss was detected when the level of insect pressure was extremely low. Given the fact that cryptic yield loss presented in the GM rice lines under the low insect pressure, a strategic field deployment should be required when insect-resistant GM rice are commercialized to circumvent the unnecessary yield losses. This is probably true for other insect-resistant GM crops. Effective biotechnology and breeding measures are also needed to particularly minimize the potential underlying cost of an insect-resistance transgene before commercial production of the GM crops.', 'en_US'),
(3719, 'Safety evaluations of the Cry1Ia1 protein found in the transgenic potato ''SpuntaG2''.', 'The transgenic potato ''SpuntaG2'' (Solanum tuberosum), which is resistant to potato tuber moth (Phthorimaea operculella), was subjected to protein safety evaluations including protein equivalency tests for the Cry1Ia1 protein from ''SpuntaG2'' and bacterially produced Cry1Ia1, toxicity and allergenicity evaluations of Cry1Ia1 protein, and compositional equivalency of ''SpuntaG2'' compared with non-transgenic ''Spunta''. Western blot analysis and biological activity assays showed molecular and functional equivalency between ''SpuntaG2''-derived Cry1Ia1 protein and bacteria-derived Cry1Ia1 protein. Comparison of the Cry1Ia1 amino acid sequence to known amino acid sequences revealed no significant homology to known toxins or known allergens. Acute toxicity studies using rodents were used to calculate an acceptable daily intake (ADI) value of 20 mg.kg-1 body weight per day. The ADI value was then used to calculate a margin of exposure (MOE) of 2,222,222, which is more than 22,000 times greater than the commonly used target MOE of 100. Digestibility and thermostability assays determined that Cry1Ia1 was fully digested within 30 s of exposure to pepsin and inactive after 3 to 4 minutes at 100degreesC, indicating that it would not be a potential allergen. Compositional analyses revealed no difference between ''SpuntaG2'' and non-transgenic ''Spunta''. These results strongly indicate that the Cry1Ia protein and the transgenic potato ''SpuntaG2'' is not a human health risk.', 'en_US'),
(3720, 'Field and storage evaluations of ''SpuntaG2'' for resistance to potato tuber moth and agronomic performance.', '''SpuntaG2'' is a transgenic potato (Solanum tuberosum) cultivar that contains the cry1Ia1 gene for resistance to potato tuber moth (Phthorimaea operculella), which is a serious pest of potato in many parts of the world. Previous studies have characterized ''SpuntaG2'' at the molecular level and evaluated it for safety as a human food source. The objective here was to determine the efficacy of ''SpuntaG2'' against the potato tuber moth in the field and in storage and to evaluate its agronomic performance. Efficacy trials at seven South African locations over 5 years indicated that ''SpuntaG2'' gave complete control of potato tuber moth in the field and storage. The agronomic performance (tuber size and yield) of ''SpuntaG2'' was not statistically different from ''Spunta'' or was better than ''Spunta'' at all locations/years with two exceptions. Three years of trials in Michigan further support these conclusions. Evaluations done during the 2006-07 South African season showed that ''SpuntaG2'' did not differ from non-transgenic ''Spunta'' for the following traits: maturity, growth habit, eye morphology, tuber size distribution, tuber shape, skin and flesh color, growth cracks, internal defects, specific gravity, chip color, cooking quality, disease resistance, and pollen fertility. Based on the results of these trials, it was concluded that ''SpuntaG2'' provides the agronomic performance of ''Spunta'' with the added benefit of resistance to potato tuber moth.', 'en_US'),
(3721, 'Fitness costs of Cry1Ab resistance in a field-derived strain of Ostrinia nubilalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae).', 'The study of fitness costs associated with resistance to toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) in Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is important for understanding resistance evolution and for evaluating resistance management practices that prevent or mitigate resistance to transgenic corn, Zea mays L. Resistant individuals identified from a field collection in Kandiyohi, MN, were used to generate a Cry1Ab-resistant strain. We used susceptible and resistant strains with similar genetic background to establish crosses and estimate dominance of fitness costs by measuring fitness components and population parameters determined by fertility life tables. Spermatophore volume and mating frequency also were compared to identify potential effects of resistance on fertility. Inheritance of fitness costs in O. nubilalis varied from recessive to incompletely recessive among the parameters evaluated. Selection for resistance to Cry1Ab significantly reduced the fitness of O. nubilalis. Resistant insects exhibited reduced pupal weight and increased developmental time compared with susceptible and F1 larvae derived from reciprocal crosses of resistant and susceptible parents. In addition, it was observed that resistant insects exhibited a higher proportion of unsuccessful matings and lower fertility than the susceptible strain. Despite the differences observed in resistant insects, our results did not indicate strong evidence of fitness costs in the F1 progeny.', 'en_US'),
(3722, 'The comparative study of arthropods community on non-transgenic mother chili pepper (P915) and transgenic chili pepper (CMVP0-CP) in the isolated quarantine LMO fields.', 'The environmental risks of cucumber mosaic virus resistant transgenic chili peppers with the CMVP0-CP gene on non-target organisms in the agroecosystem environments was evaluated during the periods of the chili pepper growing season (June 19, July 30, August 31) in 2007. Arthropods assemblages leaves and flowers of chili peppers were quantitatively collected by using an insect vacuum collector to compare the arthropod community structures between non-transgenic chili peppers (nTR, P 915) and mosaic virus resistant transgenic chili peppers (TR, CMV-cp, line 7). There was no statistical difference in the arthropod community structure between the two types of crops, nTR and TR, at the same season, although the species richness and Shannon''s index were somewhat different among seasons; indicating no effects of genetically modified peppers on the arthropod community. However, further studies were required to conclude more concretely for the potential environmental risk of the transgenic chili pepper of CMV-cp.', 'en_US'),
(3723, 'Advances in biosafety studies on transgenic insect-resistant poplars in China.', 'More concerns have been focused on transgenic trees than transgenic food crops because of their longevity and the likelihood that transgene might spread to related species of wild trees grown nearby. Detailed, the long life span of trees could increase the likelihood of transgene instability, affect diversity of non-target organisms, improve resistance to insecticidal proteins, increase invasiveness of the tree itself (weediness), and arouse negative environmental consequences or new environmental risks resulted from gene flow or gene escape. The transgenic black poplar Populus nigra carrying Bt gene and hybrid white poplar clone 741 Populus alba x (P. davidiana+P. simonii) x P. tomentosa carrying fusion genes, which are resistant to leaf insects, have been commercial release in China since 2002. In this review, we provide a brief overview of biosafety assessment researches on transgenic insect-resistant poplar varieties during the last decades. Arthropod population and community structure have changed within the transgenic poplar plantations, and the diversity of the insect community has increased. But there are no significant changes for soil microbial communities. Gene flow monitoring in the transgenic black poplar plantation showed that the probability of gene escape is very low via pollen and seeds. The potential environment risk was also evaluated based on the experiments of horizontal gene transfer from transgenic poplars through endophytic bacteria. We pointed out the necessity of the biosafety assessments concerning the transgenic poplars when intercropping with food crops.', 'en_US'),
(3724, 'Impact of refugia and integrated pest management on the performance of transgenic (Bacillus thuringiensis) cotton (Gossypium hirsutum).', 'Farmers'' participatory field trials were conducted with transgenic (Bacillus thuringiensis) and conventional cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) hybrids in integrated pest management and non-integrated pest management modes using different combinations of refugia for two cropping seasons (2003-05) in Nanded district of Maharashtra in central India and one cropping season (2004-05) in Dharwad district of Karnataka of southern India. At Nanded, the experiments were conducted with Bt ''MECH 184'' and local popular conventional hybrid ''Bunny'' and at Dharwad with ''RCH 2'' Bt and ''RCH 2'' conventional popular cotton hybrid. Results on sucking pests indicated no consistent trend with regard to locations and cropping seasons in Bt and conventional cottons. The mean incidence of American bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera Hubner), pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella Saunders) and spotted bollworm (Earias insulana Boisd.) larval population and percentage of damaged squares, bolls and shed fruiting bodies at both the locations remained significantly high in conventional cotton treatments compared with all the Bt cotton treatments. The population of ladybird beetle and Chrysoperla zastrowi arabica Henry et al. was not adversely affected in all Bt treatments compared with the conventional cotton treatments. The yield data indicated higher seed cotton yield in all the Bt treatments compared to conventional cotton at both the locations. Integrated pest management was necessary for getting the best out of Bt cotton and 20% refugia reduced the seed cotton yield without giving substantial benefit in terms of bollworm control or conserving higher natural enemy population.', 'en_US'),
(3725, 'Consequences of the use of GMOs on pesticide use.', 'Herbicide-resistant and insect-resistant GM crops have been grown in order to save pesticide uses. Although the first years in the USA showed some benefit, further observations could be interpreted as a slow down in pesticide reduction together with the appearance of threats to the sustainability of the GM technology. On the one hand, alternate techniques were improved so as to use less pesticide. On the other hand, the appearance of herbicide-resistant weeds lead to the come-back of heavy herbicide weed control programs. However, the reduction in insecticides was sustained thanks to the setting up of the refuge strategy. The USA experience must be taken into account to design and evaluate the impact of the GM crops on the ''green'' policies to reduce the amount of pesticides used in Agriculture.', 'en_US'),
(3726, 'Assessing risk across the spectrum of weed management.', 'A range of risk assessment systems has been applied to the field of weed management globally to address the ever-growing problem of plant invasions. Here, we review the development of risk assessment and management systems across the spectrum of weed management, spanning pre-border (quarantine), post-border (generally aimed at eradication and containment) and the protection of environmental assets. These systems have been developed using broader risk management frameworks, enabling consistency with a range of other agreements and strategies (e.g. pre-border with international phytosanitary measures). While a weed risk assessment system (pre-border) has been developed and widely tested/adopted, post-border systems, especially for established weed species, have been more varied in their nature and application. For example, a triage system has been outlined only recently for managing the current risks of established or widespread weeds to native species. This review also highlights a range of other weed management areas in which risk assessment systems have been applied (e.g. invasion pathways) and where further progress is needed in the current systems to make them more robust. By assessing risk across the spectrum of weed management, we have demonstrated the role of each system and how they link together to address the majority of the spectrum. The application of risk assessment procedures has helped to create systems that aim to prevent, eradicate, contain and protect assets from the effects of weed invasions, the legacy of which will be long lasting, globally.', 'en_US'),
(3727, 'Pollen flow and outcrossing in grapes.', 'This paper discusses the risk to the environment by the cultivation of transgenic grapes, the extent of crossing of the altered genetic material to adjacent holdings and how far the grape pollen can be transported by the wind. The pollination of transgenic grapes through the transfer of genetic markers in their genome to retrieve the altered DNA is also highlighted.', 'en_US'),
(3728, 'Developing insect resistance management strategies for Bt maize in Kenya.', 'To select suitable crop species to serve as refuges, recommended forages and sorghum and maize cultivars were evaluated for stem borer preference and survivorship in the laboratory and field in 4 locations in Kenya, from 2001 to 2005. Vegetation surveys were conducted in 15 districts of Kenya to quantify the area covered by natural refuges. Workshops were also held with farmers and extensions to rank refuge species. Results from field and laboratory trials indicated highest egg production, survival and more exit holes in all sorghum and maize cultivars and some forages. The vegetation surveys indicated adequate natural refuges in most districts. Sorghum, non-Bt maize and napier should be promoted as refuges in Kenya. The paper also discussed the farmers\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'' criteria for ranking refuges and their preferences by gender in different locations in Kenya.', 'en_US'),
(3729, 'Towards delivering transgenic seeds to farmers in Kenya: a model pathway.', 'Quality seeds are central to increased agricultural productivity. Thus delivery of such seeds is critical in ensuring that farmers have the best planting materials for optimal productivity. In Kenya, the seed sector consists of informal and formal components. The informal system supplies about 70% of seed to smallholder farmers. These seeds include open pollinated crops such as maize, and self-pollinated varieties like beans. These seeds are typically derived from selected grains at harvest and re-used for planting from season to season. On the other hand, the formal seed system handles high performance seeds such as hybrids and synthetics, which are not amenable to recycling. The formal seed sector is poised to grow considering the sustained investment by the government of Kenya and the private sector in research and development, including biotechnology. These efforts have contributed to emerging transgenic products such as bt-maize and bt-cotton. However, biotechnology products, being new, highly regulated, and often raising safety and ethical concerns will require additional capacities in terms of human, institutional and legal support to create an enabling environment for their acceptance and consumption. This calls for the need for sustainable and responsible use of the emerging biotechnology products along the seed value chain. This paper discusses the experience in handling conventional and transgenic seeds in Kenya, emphasizing lessons for a model pathway that could be adapted for delivery of transgenic crops in other African countries.', 'en_US'),
(3730, 'Assessing the spatial distribution of open pollinated maize varieties in low land coastal Kenya.', 'The production of genetically modified (GM) maize offers the promise for improving maize yields in Kenya. However, a crucial question is whether GM maize can co-exist with local landraces. The risk of gene outflow between GM maize and a local variety on neighboring plots is of particular concern because of the costs it may impose directly on farmers and indirectly on consumers. Understanding the potential costs associated with introducing a Bt crop in the landscape requires knowledge of the spatial distribution of the existing crops and their evidence concerning the potential for spreading GM characteristics to local landraces. In order to contribute to addressing this issue, this study determined and quantified the dispersion of local open pollinated maize varieties in low land coastal Kenya. Our investigations find that maize fields are generally small in size on average dispersed uniformly throughout the landscape. While we continue to investigate the potential impact on gene flow and the security distance between fields, we infer that traceability of Bt genes will likely be a problem.', 'en_US'),
(3731, 'Occurrence and distribution of soil nematodes in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) production areas of Kenya.', 'A baseline survey was conducted to determine the occurrence and distribution of soil nematodes associated with cotton in major growing areas in Kenya. Such baseline data on soil nematode abundance, diversity and ecosystem function in cotton ecosystems are valuable in providing a basis for comparison with organisms from transgenic cotton fields. Transgenic cotton plants expressing Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab proteins, from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), provide effective control of lepidopteran pests. However, the potential effects of these proteins on soil nematofauna are unknown in Kenya. Soil samples were collected from nine locations of western (Odiado, Angorom and Ochundo locations), coast (Baharini, Mpeketoni and Witu locations) and central (Kajiji, Tebere and Nyangati locations) province. Nematodes were extracted and recovered from soil samples using the Whitehead and Hemming tray method and identified under a light microscope according to their morphological characters. They were classified according to their feeding habits. Twenty seven genera of plant parasites, bacteriovores, fungivores, predators and omnivores were identified. Bacterial, fungal feeding and parasitic nematodes were the most abundant trophic groups across all provinces. There were significant differences in the numbers of bacteriovores (P pounds-sterling 0.01) and plant parasites (P pounds-sterling 0.05) between the provinces but no difference was observed in the numbers of fungal feeding nematodes. There was a significant difference in genus richness within locations in western and coast provinces (P &lt;= 0.001). The combined maturity index (_MI) did not vary significantly within the locations. The Shannon index (H'') showed variations within locations in western (P &lt; 0.001) and coast province (P pounds-sterling 0.01). Soil texture, P and K were correlated with abundance of some nematode genera. The bacteria feeders, Acrobeles and Rhabditis showed positive correlations to K (r=0.592, P &lt; 0.05 and r=0.128, P pounds-sterling 0.05) and P (r=0.406, P pounds-sterling 0.05, and r=0.252, P &lt; 0.05) while Aphelenchus was positively correlated to P (r=0.375, P pounds-sterling 0.05). The plant parasitic genera Meloidogyne and Pratylenchus showed significant negative correlation to N (r=-0.513, P pounds-sterling 0.05 and r=-0.226, P pounds-sterling 0.05). It is clear from this baseline data that plant parasitic and free living nematodes are widespread in cotton fields and any potential effects of Bt cotton on these nematodes may affect the nematode community structure and their ecosystem functions.', 'en_US'),
(3732, 'Impacts of transgenic Bt cotton on the stylet penetration behaviors of Bemisia tabaci biotype B: evidence from laboratory experiments.', 'Stylet penetration behaviors of Bemisia tabaci biotype B on two transgenic cotton lines ''GK12'' and ''GK19'' expressing Bt toxic protein Cry1A (Bt cotton) and a non-Bt conventional cotton line ''Simian-3'' (CK cotton) were recorded with the direct current electrical penetration graph (DC-EPG) technique. Our results suggested that EPG waveform patterns, types and characteristics non-probe (NP), pathway (C), potential drops (pd) and phloem phase (E(pd)) of Bemisia tabaci biotype B were very similar on the three cotton lines. There were no obvious differences of pathway variables among whiteflies on the three cotton lines. Some phloem variables related to E(pd)1 differed. Duration of 1st E(pd)1 and mean duration of E(pd)1 on both GK12 and GK19 were significantly shorter than that on CK cotton (P &lt; 0.05). Fewer whiteflies on GK have long E(pd)1. Other phloem variables including total duration of E(pd) summed, mean E(pd) duration and percentage of whiteflies reaching the phloem phase were similar among the three cotton lines.', 'en_US'),
(3733, 'Potential hybridization of genetically engineered triticale with wild and weedy relatives in Canada.', 'Triticale ( x Triticosecale Wittmack) is a promising cereal platform for novel bioindustrial products being developed using genetic engineering (GE). Before GE crop varieties are approved in Canada, the potential for gene flow to wild and weedy relatives must be examined. To identify at-risk species for hybridization and gene flow, we reviewed the phylogeny of triticale relatives, outcrossing barriers, reported crosses, and occurrence of wild relatives in Canada. Presence of genes that inhibit outcrossing, genome constitution, geographic distribution, and floral structure influence triticale hybridization potential. Hybridization experiments between triticale and parental species indicate crosses may produce viable seeds, although outcrossing with rye (Secale cereale L.) is less likely. With respect to nonparental species that occur in Canada, jointed goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrica Host) and intermediate wheatgrass (Agropyron intermedium (Host) Beauv.) should be investigated to determine if viable hybrids with triticale can occur. While there are reports of wheat (Triticum spp.) hybridization with pubescent wheatgrass Agropyron trichophorum (Link) K. Richt., quackgrass Elymus repens (L.) Gould, barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), and lyme grass (Leymus arenarius Hochst), hybridization with triticale under natural conditions seem unlikely.', 'en_US'),
(3734, 'Coexistence in maize: isolation distance in dependence on conventional maize field depth and separate edge harvest.', 'The most reliable and practicable measure in assuring coexistence in respect to pollen-mediated gene flow from genetically modified (GM) to conventional maize (Zea mays L.) is an isolation distance separating GM and non-GM fields. Therefore, we tested distances between 24 and 102 m at three sites in northern Germany using a field orientation representing a worst case scenario concerning wind direction. During the 3 yr of field trials the highest levels of gene flow occurred at the site and year with the longest flowering synchrony and the strongest wind blowing constantly from the GM to the non-GM field. It was shown that the GM content of a neighboring non-GM maize field is mainly determined by wind speed and direction as well as by non-GM maize field depth. Based on the maximum outcrossing data obtained it can be concluded that for non-GM maize fields being 200 m deep or more an isolation distance of 50 m is sufficient to keep the GM content of the total fields grain harvest below the European Union (EU) labeling threshold of 0.9%. However, non-GM grain maize fields with smaller field depth require larger isolation distances or additional coexistence measures. In most cases discarding 6 m of the GM maize facing non-GM maize field edge has proven to be such a valuable measure. In silage maize production 50 m isolation distance is adequate even for non-GM maize field depths down to 50 m. We recommend flexible separation distances in dependence on non-GM maize field depth to comply with EU coexistence requirements.', 'en_US'),
(3735, 'Economic effects of the consumer-oriented genetically modified products in markets with a labelling regime.', 'This paper builds on the literature on the economic effects of the second-generation, consumer-oriented genetically modified products (GMPs). It analyses the market and welfare impacts of the introduction of these new products in markets, like the EU, that mandate the segregation and labelling of the first-generation, producer-oriented GMPs. Developing an empirically relevant model of heterogeneous consumers and producers, the study determines the effects of the consumer-oriented GMPs on the markets of conventional, GM and organic products, and the welfare of consumers and agricultural producers. Analytical results indicate that the market effects of the new GMPs are case specific and depend on: (i) the consumer valuation of the quality-enhancing attribute of the new GMP; (ii) the level of consumer aversion to GMOs; (iii) the strength of consumer preference for organic products; and (iv) the production costs and marketing margins in the different supply channels. The policy on the labelling of the first-generation GMPs does not affect the impacts of the second-generation GMPs on the quantities and market shares of the different products. However, it does affect their price effects and welfare implications. The introduction of consumer-oriented GMPs under a mandatory labelling regime can result in losses for some GM consumers and all producers of the conventional product.', 'en_US'),
(3736, 'Transgene x environment interactions in genetically modified wheat.', 'Background: The introduction of transgenes into plants may cause unintended phenotypic effects which could have an impact on the plant itself and the environment. Little is published in the scientific literature about the interrelation of environmental factors and possible unintended effects in genetically modified (GM) plants. Methods and Findings: We studied transgenic bread wheat Triticum aestivum lines expressing the wheat Pm3b gene against the fungus powdery mildew Blumeria graminis f.sp. tritici. Four independent offspring pairs, each consisting of a GM line and its corresponding non-GM control line, were grown under different soil nutrient conditions and with and without fungicide treatment in the glasshouse. Furthermore, we performed a field experiment with a similar design to validate our glasshouse results. The transgene increased the resistance to powdery mildew in all environments. However, GM plants reacted sensitive to fungicide spraying in the glasshouse. Without fungicide treatment, in the glasshouse GM lines had increased vegetative biomass and seed number and a twofold yield compared with control lines. In the field these results were reversed. Fertilization generally increased GM/control differences in the glasshouse but not in the field. Two of four GM lines showed up to 56% yield reduction and a 40-fold increase of infection with ergot disease Claviceps purpurea compared with their control lines in the field experiment; one GM line was very similar to its control. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that, depending on the insertion event, a particular transgene can have large effects on the entire phenotype of a plant and that these effects can sometimes be reversed when plants are moved from the glasshouse to the field. However, it remains unclear which mechanisms underlie these effects and how they may affect concepts in molecular plant breeding and plant evolutionary ecology.', 'en_US'),
(3737, 'Apomixis and ploidy barrier suppress pollen-mediated gene flow in field grown transgenic turf and forage grass (Paspalum notatum Flugge).', 'Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge) is the predominant forage grass in the southeastern US. The commercially important bahiagrass cultivar ''Argentine'' is preferred for genetic transformation over sexual diploid cytotypes, since it produces uniform seed progeny through apomixis. Pseudogamous apomictic seed production in Argentine bahiagrass may contribute to transgene confinement. It is characterized by embryo development which is independent of fertilization of the egg cell, but requires fertilization with compatible pollen to produce the endosperm. Pollen-mediated gene transfer from transgenic, glufosinate-resistant apomictic bahiagrass as pollen donor at close proximity (0.5-3.5 m) with non-transgenic sexual or apomictic bahiagrass cultivars as pollen receptors was evaluated under field conditions. Hybridization frequency was evaluated by glufosinate herbicide resistance in &gt; 23,300 seedlings derived from open-pollinated (OP) pollen receptor plants. Average gene transfer between transgenic apomictic, tetraploid and sexual diploid bahiagrass was 0.03%. Herbicide-resistant hybrids confirmed by immuno-chromatographic detection of the PAT protein displayed a single copy bar gene identical to the pollen parent. Hybrids resulting from diploid pollen receptors were confirmed as triploids or aneu-triploids with significantly reduced vigor and seed set as compared to the parents. Transmission of transgenes to sexual bahiagrass is severely restricted by the ploidy difference between tetraploid apomicts and diploid sexual bahiagrass. Average gene transfer between transgenic apomictic tetraploid and non-transgenic, apomictic tetraploid bahiagrass was 0.17%, confirming a very low frequency of amphimixis in apomictic bahiagrass cultivars. While not providing complete transgene containment, gene transfer between transgenic apomictic and non-transgenic bahiagrass occurs at a much lower frequency than reported for other cross-pollinating or facultative apomictic grasses.', 'en_US'),
(3738, 'The 20-year environmental safety record of GM trees.', 'The key published evidence relating to the main environmental concerns surrounding the release of genetically modified trees, i.e. Populus and Pinus sp., is discussed. The ecological impact, stability of transgene expression over time, effectiveness of transgene containment and status of nontarget organisms on leaves, stems and in soil are also highlighted.', 'en_US'),
(3739, 'Emergence and persistence of volunteer flax in western Canadian cropping systems.', 'Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) is being evaluated as a platform crop for genetically engineered (GE) novel oils but it must be able to coexist with non-GE flax without causing market harm. The GE flax volunteers are a potential source of gene flow via pollen and seed. Field experiments in 2005 and 2006 quantified emergence periodicity of volunteer flax in direct seeded and conventionally tilled fields. Germination and emergence rates of naked seeds and seed retained in flax bolls were compared in laboratory and greenhouse trials. Lastly, 20 commercial flax fields were surveyed to quantify population size and persistence of volunteer flax for 3 yr following the flax crop. Volunteer flax emergence ranged from 31 to 4597 plants m-2, the year following flax crops. Emergence was slower in direct seeded fields compared to conventionally tilled with 50% emergence (E50) occurring at 340 and 228 growing degree days (GDD), respectively in 2005 and 297 and 236, respectively in 2006. The E50 occurred after crop emergence and before in-crop herbicides are normally applied. Greenhouse experiments confirmed that emergence of volunteer flax may be prolonged because seeds retained in flax bolls are protected from germination. In surveyed commercial fields, flax volunteer populations declined rapidly between the first and second year, but continued to emerge in some fields 3 yr following flax production. Field surveys confirmed the relatively slow emergence of volunteer flax, with the highest volunteer flax density observed in the survey period before in-crop herbicide application. Few flax volunteers set seeds in commercial fields and are, therefore, unlikely to contribute to population persistence. Volunteer flax requires effective control in the year following the crop to reduce the potential for pollen- and seed-mediated gene flow.', 'en_US'),
(3740, 'The western corn rootworm, a new threat to European agriculture: opportunities for biotechnology?', 'BACKGROUND: During the early 1990s, the western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera Le Conte (WCR), a maize pest, invaded the European continent. The continuous spread of the pest has introduced a new constraint into European maize production. As the damage caused by the invasive species is highly variable and different crop protection (CP) strategies are available, farmers\\'' optimal strategies are not obvious. This study uses a simulation model to assess the competitiveness of different CP strategies in seven Central European countries. RESULTS: Results indicate a high degree of heterogeneity in the profitability of different CP strategies, depending on the production parameters in each country. In general, crop rotation and Bt maize offer the best solutions to farmers, but, in continuous (non-rotated) maize cultivation, chemical CP options may capture part of the market. For Austrian continuous maize production it is found that not deregulating Bt maize implies that farmers forego revenues of up to Euro 59 ha-1. CONCLUSIONS: In the presence of WCR, producing maize by an economically sound method requires incorporating country- and farm-specific characteristics into the decision framework. Also, not deregulating Bt maize has direct monetary consequences for many farmers that could influence total maize output and resistance management.', 'en_US'),
(3741, 'Prospective formulation of environmental risk assessments: probabilistic screening for Cry1A(b) maize risk to aquatic insects.', 'A critical first step for environmental risk assessment is problem formulation to identify environmental entities of concern and determinants of exposure that place these entities at risk. A conservative screening level approach was used to evaluate the potential risk to sensitive aquatic species from maize-expressed Cry1A(b) protein occurring in a representative agroecosystem. Estimated environmental concentrations for Cry1A(b) were compared to threshold concentrations of concern for putative sensitive aquatic organisms as estimated from species sensitivity distributions. The high-end risk expressed as the combined probability of short-term exposure and acute effects to a sensitive species indicated no concern in 99% of cases with limited opportunity for chronic effects due to the rapid decline of Cry1A(b) from the environment. Addressing uncertainties in the distribution of Cry1A(b) in soil, water, and sediment clarify the need for expanded ecotoxicity testing for aquatic effects.', 'en_US'),
(3742, 'Consumer acceptance of genetically modified foods: traits, labels and diverse information.', 'New experimental economic methods are described and used to assess consumers\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'' willingness to pay for food products that might be made from new transgenic and intragenic genetically modified (GM) traits. Participants in auctions are randomly chosen adult consumers in major US metropolitan areas and not college students. Food labels are kept simple and focus on key attributes of experimental goods. Diverse private information from the agricultural biotech industry (largely Monsanto and Syngenta), environmental groups (largely Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth) and independent third-party information is used to construct the information treatments. Food labels and information treatments are randomized, which is a deviation from traditional lab methods. Auctions are best described as sealed bid random n-th price and not the standard Vickery 2nd price auctions. I show that participants in these experiments respond to both food labels and information treatments, but no single type of information is dominant.', 'en_US'),
(3743, 'The role of animal feeding trials for the nutritional and safety assessment of feeds from genetically modified plants -- present stage and future challenges.', 'The world''s population is still growing up and asking for more and better food. High yielding plants with low external inputs should be the main aim of plant breeding to meet the higher demand for man and animal. Apart from traditional breeding plant biotechnology seems to have a certain potential to contribute to this objective. Safety and nutritional studies with such modified plants are the most important prerequisites for public acceptance of derived feed and food. The first step for safety and nutritional assessment of modified plants is the compositional analysis of potential food/feed and including the newly expressed proteins and other new constituents and the comparison with conventional counterparts. In vitro studies and experiments with laboratory animals are the next steps for assessments. Feeding studies with target animals are of special concern for nutritional assessment and are considered in more detail in the present paper.', 'en_US'),
(3744, 'Review of the field experiments in Dahnsdorf (German state Brandenburg) aiming at evaluation of genetically modified crops for the goals of integrated plant protection and for coexistence.', 'Worldwide cultivation of genetically modified crops has reached more than 130 million ha in 2009. In Germany, where the cultivation has been stopped since 2008, the risks and benefits of these cultivars are intensely discussed. From the beginning the Julius Kuhn-Institut (JKI) has contributed objectively with scientific investigations and statements to the context of this discussion. From 1996 to 2009, field experiments with genetically modified winter oilseed rape, maize and potatoes and experiments on the coexistence of maize were conducted at the experimental field station of the JKI in Dahnsdorf, German state Brandenburg. The traits used were herbicide resistance to glufosinate in oilseed rape and maize, and fructan synthesizing in potatoes. In comparison with the conventionally bred counterparts the genetically modified cultivars and lines met all relevant biosafety requirements. Out-crossing of transgenic oilseed rape and maize into conventional cultivars were observed, but can be kept low by isolation distances or agronomic measures during harvest. The distinct observed agronomic advantages and disadvantages of glufosinate resistant crops have to be considered cautiously in order to design sustainably integrated plant protection and soil management systems. The genetic modification of the fructan potato led unexpectedly to further changes such as the length of the main shoot and susceptibility for pests and diseases. However, these side effects are not expected to cause higher intensities in plant protection or increased risks for the environment. The review summarizes main results of the long term experiments in Dahnsdorf, and considers new results of growing genetically modified crops and biosafety research.', 'en_US');
INSERT INTO `bibliography_bibliography_i18n` (`id`, `title`, `abstract`, `locale`) VALUES
(3745, 'Characterizing indirect prey-quality mediated effects of a Bt crop on predatory larvae of the green lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea.', 'There is increasing evidence that insecticidal transgenic crops can indirectly cause detrimental effects on arthropod predators or parasitoids when they prey on or parasitize sublethally affected herbivores. Our studies revealed that Chrysoperla carnea is negatively affected when fed Bt-susceptible but not Cry1Ac-resistant Helicoverpa armigera larvae that had fed Bt-transgenic cotton expressing Cry1Ac. This despite the fact that the predators ingested 3.5 times more Cry1Ac when consuming the resistant caterpillars. In order to detect potential differences in the nutrient composition of prey larvae, we evaluated the glycogen and lipid content plus the sugar and free amino acid content and composition of caterpillars fed non-Bt and Bt cotton. The only change in susceptible H. armigera larvae attributable to Bt cotton feeding were changes in sugar concentration and composition. In case of the Cry1Ac-resistant H. armigera strain, feeding on Bt cotton resulted in a reduced glycogen content in the caterpillars. The predators, however, appeared to compensate for the reduced carbohydrate content of the prey by increasing biomass uptake which caused an excess intake of the other analyzed nutritional compounds. Our study clearly proves that nutritional prey-quality factors other then the Bt protein underlie the observed negative effects when C. carnea larvae are fed with Bt cotton-fed prey. Possible factors were an altered sugar composition or fitness costs associated with the excess intake of other nutrients.', 'en_US'),
(3746, 'Reviewing South Africa''s marketing and trade policies for genetically modified products.', 'South Africa is unique in that it has commercialised genetically modified (GM) crops and has a functional biosafety system, which allows for trade in both GM and non-GM crops, despite being surrounded by countries banning the use of GM products. This paper analyses the past achievements and evolving changes in marketing and trade policies for GM products in South Africa. A quantitative analysis of South Africa''s GM imports and exports demonstrates the success of South Africa''s flexible regulatory system. Yet a review of recent reforms indicates a trend towards more rigid trade and marketing regulations of GM products. This paper suggests five policy recommendations to improve rather than rigidify regulations and allow South Africa to adapt to global changes, manage risks and take advantage of potentially promising new GM technologies.', 'en_US'),
(3747, 'Bt crops and food security in developing countries: realised benefits, sustainable use and lowering barriers to adoption.', 'Transgenic crops producing insecticidal proteins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt crops) have been cultivated commercially for over 15 years. Worldwide, Bt crops have provided effective control of target pests with fewer applications of insecticide, have increased yield and profitability for farmers, and have reduced risk to the environment and human health compared with non-Bt crops. Sustainable use of Bt crops requires risk management to limit the evolution of pest resistance and adverse effects of the Bt proteins to non-target organisms. Risks are managed by national regulatory authorities; however, the establishment of functional regulatory systems with the necessary scientific capacity is problematic in many developing countries, which hinders the wider deployment of Bt and other transgenic insect-resistant crops. Timely introduction of these crops may also be obstructed by inefficient implementation of international regulatory regimes, such as the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB). Regulatory costs limit the number of insect-resistant crops that may be developed, and delay in the introduction of such crops may result in large opportunity costs. Implementing effective risk management while limiting these costs requires clear policy that defines the benefits and harms of cultivating transgenic crops and how those benefits and harms should be weighed in decision-making. Policy should lead to the development of regulatory frameworks that minimise the number of new data requirements and maximise the value of existing studies for risk assessment; costs will thereby be reduced, increasing the prospects for Bt crops, and transgenic insect-resistant crops generally, to improve food security in developing countries.', 'en_US'),
(3748, 'Research concerning the impact of Bt technology applied to cultivate genetically modified potatoes on soil quality.', 'Evaluation of genetically modified plant varieties (before placing in culture) is generally focused on aspects of genetic stability of the inserted genes and agronomic aspects of GM varieties. However, in the international scientific community there is concern about the environmental consequences of introducing a functional gene associated with changes in management practices and agricultural systems on the essential functions of the ecosystem, and the fate of the products obtained from genetically modified organisms (GMOs) e.g. persistence in the environment and gene transfer to other organisms. These issues must be included in every study of risk assessment for GMOs. In Romania were not conducted studies and independent researches to assess the impact of cultivation of genetically modified plants on biodiversity, quality and functioning of agro ecosystems. Was studied, however, ecological and economic impact of the introduction into the environment of plants with a single genetically modified character, mainly glyphosate-tolerant soybean, cultivated in Romania until 2007 (Badea et al., 2004, 2006; Otiman et al., 2004). Soil biological communities are among the most diverse biotic groups on the planet. Soil microorganisms are involved in regulating a number of processes in terrestrial ecosystems, which are essential for maintaining its productivity and health. Develop methodology for assessing the Bt biotechnology impact, applied to cultivate genetically modified potato, on soil quality parameters, and particularly, on the microorganisms diversity, was done according to the following objectives: soil type influence (through its defining physical-chemical parameters) and genotypes of cultivated hybrids about insecticide persistence and degradation of proteins, influence of transgenic plants cultivation about microbial diversity, study of transgenic plant cultivars about the main soil chemical properties. The criteria for selection of soil materials on which to conduct the impact study of Bt biotechnology was favorability for species taken in the study and contrasting physical and chemical properties. Thus, were used two soil types: Eutric Fluvisols and Fluvi-Eutric Cambisols. Research developed in greenhouse has pursued: identifying correlations between the main physical-chemical and biological attributes of soil and plant genotypes (GMOs or non-GMOs) cultivation; environmental impact assessment of Bt protein on essential soil biological processes by investigating the biological activities associated with plant debris decomposition and determination of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the soil; assessing the impact of Bt technology about taxonomic and genetic diversity of soil micro-organisms; assessment of possible modifications of the main physical, chemical and biological properties of soil under the influence of Bt technology.', 'en_US'),
(3749, 'Special Issue: Evolution in agro-ecosystems.', 'This issue (15 papers) presents diverse studies on some of the ways in which evolution driven by both conscious and unconscious selection by humans has shaped the development of modern agriculture. Specific topics covered include the following: reciprocal insights into adaptation from agricultural and evolutionary studies in tomato; evolutionary response of landraces to climate change in centers of crop diversity; evolution of weeds and invasives from domesticated ancestors; local origin of two vegetative compatibility groups of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. vasinfectum in Australia; the interplay between the effectiveness of the grass-endophyte mutualism and the genetic variability of the host plant; evolutionary ecology of mycorrhizal functional diversity in agricultural systems; evolutionary ecology of insect adaptation to Bt crops; and adaptive management of pest resistance by Helicoverpa species in Australia to the Cry2Ab Bt toxin in Bollgard II cotton.', 'en_US'),
(3750, 'Evolutionary ecology of insect adaptation to Bt crops.', 'Transgenic crops producing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins are used worldwide to control major pests of corn and cotton. Development of strategies to delay the evolution of pest resistance to Bt crops requires an understanding of factors affecting responses to natural selection, which include variation in survival on Bt crops, heritability of resistance, and fitness advantages associated with resistance mutations. The two main strategies adopted for delaying resistance are the refuge and pyramid strategies. Both can reduce heritability of resistance, but pyramids can also delay resistance by reducing genetic variation for resistance. Seasonal declines in the concentration of Bt toxins in transgenic cultivars, however, can increase the heritability of resistance. The fitness advantages associated with resistance mutations can be reduced by agronomic practices, including increasing refuge size, manipulating refuges to increase fitness costs, and manipulating Bt cultivars to reduce fitness of resistant individuals. Manipulating costs and fitness of resistant individuals on transgenic insecticidal crops may be especially important for thwarting evolution of resistance in haplodiploid and parthenogenetic pests. Field-evolved resistance to Bt crops in only five pests during the last 14 years suggests that the refuge strategy has successfully delayed resistance, but the accumulation of resistant pests could accelerate.', 'en_US'),
(3751, 'Adaptive management of pest resistance by Helicoverpa species (Noctuidae) in Australia to the Cry2Ab Bt toxin in Bollgard II(R) cotton.', 'In Australia, monitoring Helicoverpa species for resistance to the Cry2Ab toxin in second generation Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton has precisely fulfilled its intended function: to warn of increases in resistance frequencies that may lead to field failures of the technology. Prior to the widespread adoption of two-gene Bt cotton, the frequency of Cry2Ab resistance alleles was at least 0.001 in H. armigera and H. punctigera. In the 5 years hence, there has been a significant and apparently exponential increase in the frequency of alleles conferring Cry2Ab resistance in field populations of H. punctigera. Herein we review the history of deploying and managing resistance to Bt cotton in Australia, outline the characteristics of the isolated resistance that likely impact on resistance evolution, and use a simple model to predict likely imminent resistance frequencies. We then discuss potential strategies to mitigate further increases in resistance frequencies, until the release of a third generation product. These include mandating larger structured refuges, applying insecticide to crops late in the season, and restricting the area of Bollgard II(R) cotton. The area planted to Bt-crops is anticipated to continue to rise worldwide; therefore the strategies being considered in Australia are likely to relate to other situations.', 'en_US'),
(3752, 'Natural glufosinate resistance of soil microorganisms and GMO safety.', 'Bacteria and fungi from pristine soil, never exposed to glufosinate herbicide, were isolated and analyzed for glufosinate tolerance. Seven of the 15 tested isolates were sensitive to 1 mM glufosinate (an active ingredient of many nonselective contact herbicides), 5 were resistant to 4 mM glufosinate and 3 even to 8 mM glufosinate in liquid medium. None of the isolated microorganisms carried the gene for glufosinate resistance bar (bialaphos resistance) in its genome and at least in some of glufosinate-resistant isolates the increased glutamine synthetase level was detected as a possible resistance mechanism. The transfer of the bar glufosinate resistance gene from transgenic maize Bt 176 into glufosinate-sensitive soil bacterium Bacillus pumilus S1 was not detected under the laboratory conditions by a classical plate count method and PCR. The ecological risk of potential bar gene transfer from genetically modified plants into soil microcosms under natural circumstances is discussed.', 'en_US'),
(3753, 'A mechanistic model of pollinator-mediated gene flow in agricultural safflower.', 'In many species of crop plant, gene flow by cross-pollination is possible between spatially separate fields. To preserve a crop''s varietal purity or to restrict ingress into conventional varieties of genetically modified (GM) genes, a quantitative understanding of gene flow is useful. Previous measurements of gene flow in safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.), a crop with GM varieties, were made in plots of less than 1 ha. Here, I evaluate a mathematical model of field-to-field gene flow due to insect pollination using parameter values appropriate to a large agricultural field of safflower. The model was solved based on laboratory pollination experiments and observations made on a large (40 ha) safflower field in Lethbridge, Canada that was pollinated by honey bees (Apis mellifera) and bumble bees (Bombus spp.). The model estimated the maximum feasible level of bee-mediated, field-to-field gene flow to range between 0.05% and 0.005% of seed set (95% upper confidence intervals of 0.23% and 0.023%), depending on the composition of the bee fauna. These relatively low values emerged for two reasons: safflower has a high capacity for automatic self-fertilization; and bees undertook long foraging bouts in the field, which made between-field pollinations relatively rare. A strategy for minimizing GM gene flow should utilize a conventional safflower variety that has a high capacity for automatic self-fertilization and should allow the conventional plants to grow in large stands to encourage long foraging bouts by bees.', 'en_US'),
(3754, 'Soybean gene flow in the south region of Minas Gerais State, Brazil.', 'The objective of this work was to evaluate the rate of gene flow between GM (RR) and conventional soybeans, in the city of Alfenas, in the south region of Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The work was carried out in the Horticultural Section and Experimentation of the University Jose do Rosario Vellano - UNIFENAS, in the period of October of 2004 trougth November of 2005. It were been used two cultivars of soybeans (Glicine max): one traditional cultivar MG/BR 46 (Conquista), not tolerant to the glyphosate, and other cultivar (BRS Valiosa) resistant to the molecule from glyphosate. The experimental area was delineated by sowing in concentric circles with rays of 1, 2, 3, 4 m for the plant of the cultivar not genetically modified (Conquista) and 5 m for the plants of the cultivar genetically modified. Plants removed of both the populations had received an application from glyphosate, by the applications of the commercial product Roundup, in the dosis of 1.0 L.ha-1 when they had reached the V3 stadium, with the objective of certification of the resistance to the herbicide. The RR gene flow in soybeans occurs at low taxes (maximum of 0.25%) in the conditions of Alfenas - MG, Brazil. However, these fact indicates a potential of contamination in soybeans plants not genetically modified growing near the RR plants.', 'en_US'),
(3755, 'Gene flow via pollen spread from cultivated roses used as hosts of a transgenic rose to wild roses.', 'We observed visiting insects near cultivated roses (Rosa hybrida) including genotypes used to generate transgenic roses and wild roses (Rosa spp.) to clarify the possibility of gene flow under natural conditions. From May to July, pollen-gathering bees visited mainly rose species from 8:00 to 12:00 in the morning. The bees preferentially visited the rose species (R. rugosa, R. hirtula, R. bracteata and R. luciae), over the cultivated roses (R. ''Easy Going'', R. ''Princess of Wales'', R. ''L ''Aimant'' and R. ''WGS''), probably due to the higher quantity of pollen produced and greater accessibility by the single-petaled wild species as compared to the double-petaled cultivated roses. Therefore, it seemed that cross-hybridization of rose species by the pollen of the cultivated roses is low under natural conditions. However, gene flow from R. ''Lavande'' to R. spp. was possible given the high rate of honeybee visitation on R. ''Lavande''. On the other hand, in October, flies were observed on both wild roses (R. rugosa) and cultivated roses. However, the contribution of pollination between wild and cultivated roses by the flies seemed to be low due to their lower pollen carrying ability.', 'en_US'),
(3756, 'Backcrosses to Brassica napus of hybrids between B. juncea and B. napus as a source of herbicide-resistant volunteer-like feral populations.', 'Introgression between genetically modified (GM) crops and wild relatives is considered to potentially modify the genetic background of the wild species. The emergence of volunteer-like feral populations through backcross of hybrids to the crop is also a concern. The progeny of spontaneous hybrids between mutant herbicide-resistant oilseed rape (Brassica napus) and wild B. juncea was obtained. Parents, F2 and BC1 to B. napus were planted together in the field so as to study their performance. The chromosome number of BC1 followed a Normal distribution. Mendelian ratio of the herbicide-resistance gene was found. The F2 produced less seeds than B. napus, and BC1 had intermediate production. Herbicide-resistant BC1 were not different of their susceptible counterparts for plant weight, seed weight and seed number, but most of them exhibited B. napus morphology and larger flowers than the susceptible BC1. They displayed an important genetic variability allowing further adaptation and propagation of the herbicide-resistance gene. Pollen flow to susceptible plants within the mixed stand was observed. As a consequence, the resistant BC1 produced with B. napus pollen could frequently occur and easily establish as a false feral crop population within fields and along roadsides.', 'en_US'),
(3757, 'Progress in insecticidal mechanism of Bt and resistance mechanism of pest insect to Bt.', 'Insecticidal crystal proteins of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) with high specificity have effect on the target pests but are harmless to natural enemies and other insects. The transgenic Bt plants and Bt insecticides are the most widely used biological control technique. This paper detailedly reviewed the discovery, classification, structure and function of Bt. The insecticidal mechanism of Bt, resistance mechanism of pest insect to Bt and receptor proteins of Bt from insects with relation to resistance were also given, and the insect resistance management strategies and prospects of Bt crops were proposed.', 'en_US'),
(3758, 'Adventitious presence: volunteer flax (Linum usitatissimum) in herbicide-resistant canola (Brassica napus).', 'Flax is in the process of development as a crop for bio-industrial and nutraceutical products predicated on the use of genetic modification. Before genetically modified (GM) flax is commercially released, effective management practices should be developed to minimize adventitious presence (AP) of GM volunteer flax in subsequent crops. Field research was conducted at four locations during 2007 and 2008 in central Alberta to quantify and mitigate AP of volunteer flax in glufosinate-resistant (GR) and imidazolinone-resistant (IR) canola. A single preplant application of glyphosate at 1,250 g ae ha-1 in GR canola reduced volunteer flax density from 54 to 3 plants m-2 and seed production from 5,963 to 233 seeds m-2. Similarly, the recommended rate of POST glufosinate (600 g ai ha-1) alone effectively controlled volunteer flax and reduced flax seed viability to &lt; 8% and AP to 0.2%. A combination of preplant (glyphosate) and POST (glufosinate) at recommended rates reduced volunteer flax seed production, yield, and AP to near zero in GR canola. Glyphosate applied preplant was equally effective in IR canola, reducing volunteer flax density from 56 to 2 plants m-2, and seed production from 5,571 to 472 seeds m-2. Imazamox+imazethapyr applied POST at all the rates poorly controlled volunteer flax and, even in combination with preplant glyphosate, cannot be recommended for control of flax volunteers in IR canola.', 'en_US'),
(3759, 'Cotton bollworm resistance to Bt transgenic cotton: a case analysis.', 'Cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) is one of the most serious insect pests of cotton. Transgenic cotton expressing Cry toxins derived from a soil bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), has been produced to target this pest. Bt cotton has been widely planted around the world, and this has resulted in efficient control of bollworm populations with reduced use of synthetic insecticides. However, evolution of resistance by this pest threatens the continued success of Bt cotton. To date, no field populations of bollworm have evolved significant levels of resistance; however, several laboratory-selected Cry-resistant strains of H. armigera have been obtained, which suggests that bollworm has the capacity to evolve resistance to Bt. The development of resistance to Bt is of great concern, and there is a vast body of research in this area aimed at ensuring the continued success of Bt cotton. Here, we review studies on the evolution of Bt resistance in H. armigera, focusing on the biochemical and molecular basis of Bt resistance. We also discuss resistance management strategies, and monitoring programs implemented in China, Australia, and India.', 'en_US'),
(3760, 'Insect oviposition behavior affects the evolution of adaptation to Bt crops: consequences for refuge policies.', 'The major lepidopteran insect pests of cotton and maize harbor intra-specific variation for behavior determining the selection of host plants for oviposition. Yet, the consequences of behavioral adaptation for fitness have neither been modeled nor monitored for Bt cotton and maize crops, the most widely grown transgenic herbivore-resistant plants. Here, we present a general two-locus heuristic model to examine potential outcomes of natural selection when pest populations initially have low frequencies of alleles for both physiological and behavioral adaptation to Bt crops. We demonstrate that certain ecological conditions allow for the evolution of behavioral choices favoring alternative oviposition hosts that limit the increase in resistance alleles, even when they are phenotypically dominant. These results have implications for current refuge policies, which should be adapted to promote the evolution of certain behavioral choices for alternative oviposition hosts in addition to dilution of physiological resistance alleles. Collection of data on oviposition host preference as a component of monitoring schemes will provide important insights into mechanisms underlying the durability of Bt-transgenic host-plant resistance.', 'en_US'),
(3761, 'A consumer segmentation study with regards to genetically modified food in urban China.', 'The objective of this study is to identify the underlying subgroups of Chinese consumers in terms of their perceptions and attitudes toward GM foods. In particular, we address the following specific questions: may researchers segment Chinese urban consumers in terms of their attitudes and perceptions toward GM foods? Are there any relationships between segmented consumer groups and other factors - such as their exposure to GM knowledge and socio-demographics? And, what policy implications can be drawn from this research to the future biotech development in China? Based on a large-scale survey data collected by the authors in 2002 and 2003 in 11 cities of China, this research applies consumer research methodologies. The combination of factor and cluster analysis enables us to identify successfully and consistently four Chinese consumer clusters based on their perceptions and attitudes toward GM foods, which include a food safety cluster, a nutritional technologist cluster, a GM skeptic cluster, and a cluster of GM for non-food promoter.', 'en_US'),
(3762, 'Sustainable use of biotechnology for bioenergy feedstocks.', 'Done correctly, cellulosic bioenergy should be both environmentally and economically beneficial. Carbon sequestration and decreased fossil fuel use are both worthy goals in developing next-generation biofuels. We believe that biotechnology will be needed to significantly improve yield and digestibility of dedicated perennial herbaceous biomass feedstocks, such as switchgrass and Miscanthus, which are native to the US and China, respectively. This Forum discusses the sustainability of herbaceous feedstocks relative to the regulation of biotechnology with regards to likely genetically engineered traits. The Forum focuses on two prominent countries wishing to develop their bioeconomies: the US and China. These two countries also share a political desire and regulatory frameworks to enable the commercialization and wide release of transgenic feedstocks with appropriate and safe new genetics. In recent years, regulators in both countries perform regular inspections of transgenic field releases and seriously consider compliance issues, even though the US framework is considered to be more mature and stringent. Transgene flow continues to be a pertinent environmental and regulatory issue with regards to transgenic plants. This concern is largely driven by consumer issues and ecological uncertainties. Regulators are concerned about large-scale releases of transgenic crops that have sexually compatible crops or wild relatives that can stably harbor transgenes via hybridization and introgression. Therefore, prior to the commercialization or extensive field testing of transgenic bioenergy feedstocks, we recommend that mechanisms that ensure biocontainment of transgenes be instituted, especially for perennial grasses. A cautionary case study will be presented in which a plant\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\''s biology and ecology conspired against regulatory constraints in a non-biomass crop perennial grass (creeping bentgrass, Agrostis stolonifera), in which biocontainment was not attained. Appropriate technologies that could be applied to perennial grass feedstocks for biocontainment are discussed.', 'en_US'),
(3763, 'EU import restrictions on genetically modified feeds: impacts on Spanish, EU and global livestock sectors.', 'Over the last decade, much controversy has surrounded the usage of genetically modified organism (GMO) technology in commercial agriculture. More specifically, it is feared that GMOs may introduce new allergens into the food chain or contribute to antibiotic resistance. At the current time, the European Union (EU) adopts a zero tolerance policy toward ''non-approved'' GMO imports, whilst the approval process has not kept pace with the proliferation of new GMO varieties. In the EU livestock sectors, this apparent mis-match threatens to interrupt supplies of high protein feed inputs (e.g., soymeal) from countries with more relaxed regulations regarding GMOs. Employing a well known multi-region computable general equilibrium framework, this study quantitatively assesses the impact of a hypothetical EU import ban on unapproved GMO varieties of soybean and maize imports on livestock, meat and dairy sectors. The model code is heavily modified to improve the characterisation of the agricultural sectors and land usage, whilst a realistic baseline is employed to update the global database to 2008, the year the hypothetical ban is implemented. In the ''worst case'' scenario, there are significant competitive losses in EU livestock, meat and dairy sectors. In Spain, the negative impacts are particularly pronounced given the importance of pig production in agriculture. In contrast, all non-EU regions'' trade balances improve, with notable trade gains in the USA and Brazil. To conclude, the EU must urgently find a long term strategy for GMOs if it is to reconcile political expediency with pragmatic economic concerns.', 'en_US'),
(3764, 'Biosafety: a review.', 'Biosafety is a set of actions directed to the prevention, minimization or elimination of risks that could jeopardize the human''s and animal''s health and of the environment. The first debates about biosafety were held in the early 1970''s due to the outbreak of transmissible diseases and to the concern to the safety in laboratory arenas. In Brazil, the regulations to activities related to these areas began in 1995 with the formation of the National Technical Biosafety whose functions are the inspection of the manipulated Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) and of the laboratory arena safety. This review describes the biosafety concepts and their applicability known in order to improve the human safety as well as the environment in related issues to the research activities, production, teaching, technological development and given service.', 'en_US'),
(3765, 'Occurrence and field densities of Coleoptera in the maize herb layer: implications for Environmental Risk Assessment of genetically modified Bt-maize.', 'Beetles (Coleoptera) are a diverse and ecologically important group of insects in agricultural systems. The Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) of genetically modified Bt-crop varieties with insect resistances thus needs to consider and assess the potential negative impacts on non-target organisms belonging to this group. We analysed data gathered during 6 years of field-release experiments on the impact of two genetically modified Bt-maize varieties (Ostrinia-resistant MON810 and Diabrotica-resistant MON88017) on the occurrence and field densities of Coleoptera, especially the two families Coccinellidae and Chrysomelidae. Based on a statistical analysis aimed at establishing whether Bt-maize varieties are equivalent to their near-isogenic counterparts, we discuss the limitations of using field experiments to assess the effects of Bt-maize on these two beetle families. The densities of most of the beetle families recorded in the herb layer were very low in all growing seasons. Coccinellidae and Chrysomelidae were comparatively abundant and diverse, but still low in numbers. Based on their role as biological control agents, Coccinellidae should be a focus in the ERA of Bt-plants, but given the large natural variability in ladybird densities in the field, most questions need to be addressed in low-tier laboratory tests. Chrysomelidae should play a negligible role in the ERA of Bt-plants, since they occur on-crop as secondary pests only. Species occurring off-crop, however, can be addressed in a similar fashion as non-target Lepidoptera in Cry1Ab expressing Bt-maize.', 'en_US'),
(3766, 'Development of real time PCR assays for detection and quantification of transgene DNA of a Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) corn hybrid in soil samples.', 'Real time PCR assays were developed to detect and quantify the transgene DNA of a commercially released Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) corn (Zea mays L.) hybrid (DKC42-23), which was derived from the event MON863 and also carried a neomycin phosphotransferase gene (the nptII gene). We applied the real time PCR assays to investigate the persistence of the transgene DNA in a field trial grown with DKC42-23 over 3 years, in combination with bacterial natural transformation. The results showed that under continuous cultivation of DKC42-23, its transgene DNA was detectable in the field plots all year around. Meanwhile, when soil DNA extracts from DKC42-23 plots were used as donor in bacterial natural transformation, successful recovery of kanamycin resistant (KmR) transformants indicated that the nptII gene carried by DKC42-23 could be taken up and integrated into naturally competent Pseudomonas stutzeri pMR7 cells, leading to the restoration of the antibiotic resistance of P. stutzeri pMR7. However, after the cultivation of a soybean line in the same plots for the subsequent growing season, the presence of transgene DNA of DKC42-23 was reduced to undetectable levels at the end of that growing season. Therefore, existing corn-soybean crop rotation practices reduce the availability of transgene DNA in soil and thus minimize the risks that might be attributable to horizontal gene transfer. The real time PCR assays are useful for investigating the persistence of transgene DNA derived from the MON863 event in soil environments.', 'en_US'),
(3767, 'Implementation of monitoring for genetically modified rapeseed in Serbia.', 'Genetically modified (GMO) rapeseed (Brassica napus) is not grown commercially in European Union, but several lines have been approved for production and use as food and feed. A case-specific monitoring of herbicide-tolerant rapeseed, events RT73, RF3 and T45 was established by Ministry of Agriculture of Republic of Serbia. The objectives of the present study were to introduce methods for detection of herbicide-tolerant GM oilseed rape, investigate occurrence and monitor the presence of GM rapeseed in seed and the feed products, as well as to develop a protocol for quantification. The study was based on 48 samples, rapeseed (33) and feed (15) products, imported from EU countries (Germany, Belgium, France, Czech Republic, Austria) and from domestic market. Seven positive feed samples and no positive seed samples have found. The percent of GMO in feed samples, estimated on semi-quantitative way, was below labelling threshold. Adventitious presence of GM materials in non-GM grain, derived food and feedstuffs is a concern to international grain trade and needs continuous monitoring.', 'en_US'),
(3768, 'Biofortified sorghum in Africa: using problem formulation to inform risk assessment.', 'This paper discusses the process of appropriate problem formulation to identify data needs as a preliminary step in risk assessment of genetically modified crops (i.e. identification of the protection goals of the law or other instrument that triggered the risk assessment; recognition of adverse effects as operational assessment endpoints following problem formulation; development of possible scenarios of harm; and formulation of testable hypotheses and determination of an experimental plan to test them), and describes the application of this strategy in risk assessment of transgenic sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) in Africa.', 'en_US'),
(3769, 'Impact of different levels of non-Bt cotton refuges on pest populations, bollworm damage, and Bt cotton production.', 'The impact of structured strip row refugia (varying from 10% to 50%) in the Bt cotton crops JKCH1947Bt (producing one toxin, Cry1Ac) and MRC7017BGII (producing two toxins, Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab) on the pest complex and cotton yield was studied. During the cropping season (June 2008 to November 2008), sucking pest incidence was negligible. However, the incidences of spotted bollworm, Earias vittella, and the leafroller, Sylepta derogata, were high on the non-Bt cotton. The total cotton seed yield of the Bt crop plus the refuge decreased proportionately with respect to the increase in proportion of non-Bt cotton. Total cotton production decreased significantly when 40% non-Bt cotton was planted as refuge. These studies showed that a refuge of up to 30% non-Bt cotton in JKCH1947Bt and up to 20% non-Bt cotton in MRC7017Bt did not affect total seed cotton yield compared to 100% Bt cotton.', 'en_US'),
(3770, 'Impact of Bollgard(R) genetically modified cotton on the biodiversity of arthropods under practical field conditions in Brazil.', 'Using cotton cultivars that express a gene of the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) bacterium producing a protein (Cry1Ac) with an insecticide effect on the Lepidoptera pests has made it possible to reduce the number of insecticide applications during the crop cycle. Thus, the objective was to determine, in the field during the 2006/2007 harvest in Dourados/MS, Brazil, the impact of the transgenic cultivar (NuOpal(R)) by comparison with the isogenic, non-transgenic cultivar (DeltaOpal(R)) on target pests, non-target pests and natural enemies using two sampling methods (beatsheet and whole plant observation) under conventional growing conditions, with both varieties cultivated in a system incorporating the application of insecticides for non-target pests that reached the recommended threshold level for integrated pest management. It was verified that the average number of target pest specimens for both sampling methods was significantly lower in Bt-cotton than in non-Bt-cotton. However, the average number of non-target pest specimens and natural enemies presented no significant differences between the cultivars for both sampling methods assessed. The diversity of non-target pests characterized by the Shannon-Wiener index presented a significant difference between Bt-cotton and non-Bt-cotton for the whole plant sampling method, whereas for naturally occurring enemies, no difference was revealed using this sampling method.', 'en_US'),
(3771, 'Responses of stream macroinvertebrates to Bt maize leaf detritus.', 'In the midwestern United States, maize detritus enters streams draining agricultural land. Genetically modified Bt maize is commonly planted along streams and can possibly affect benthic macroinvertebrates, specifically members of the order Trichoptera, which are closely related to target species of some Bt toxins and are important detritivores in streams. The significance of inputs of Bt maize to aquatic systems has only recently been recognized, and assessments of potential nontarget impacts on aquatic organisms are lacking. We conducted laboratory feeding trials and found that the leaf-shredding trichopteran, Lepidostoma liba, grew significantly slower when fed Bt maize compared to non-Bt maize, while other invertebrate taxa that we examined showed no negative effects. We also used field studies to assess the influence of Bt maize detritus on benthic macroinvertebrate abundance, diversity, biomass, and functional structure in situ in 12 streams adjacent to Bt maize or non-Bt maize fields. We found no significant differences in total abundance or biomass between Bt and non-Bt streams, and trichopterans comprised only a small percentage of invertebrate biomass at all sites (0-15%). Shannon diversity did not differ among Bt and non-Bt streams and was always low (H'' range=0.9-1.9). Highly tolerant taxa, such as oligochaetes and chironomids, were dominant in both Bt and non-Bt streams, and macroinvertebrate community composition was relatively constant across seasons. We used litterbags to examine macroinvertebrate colonization of Bt and non-Bt maize detritus and found no significant differences among litter or stream types. Our in situ findings did not support our laboratory results; this is likely because the streams we studied in this region are highly degraded and subject to multiple, persistent anthropogenic stressors (e.g., channelization, altered flow, nutrient and pesticide inputs). Invertebrate communities in these streams are a product of these degraded conditions, and thus the impact of a single stressor, such as Bt toxins, may not be readily discernable. Our results add to growing evidence that Bt toxins can have sublethal effects on nontarget aquatic taxa, but this evidence should be considered in the context of other anthropogenic impacts and alternative methods of pest control influencing streams draining agricultural regions.', 'en_US'),
(3772, 'The maize gene flow evaluation based on transgene detection and quantification.', 'One approach to ensuring coexistence of genetically modified (GM) and conventional maize (Zea mays L.) is the understanding of maize pollen dispersal in the atmosphere in order to quantify the potential contamination of non-GM maize due to pollen-mediated gene flow from GM maize. For this purpose in our experiments the gene flow in two different commercial fields was evaluated. It was also determined that the increasing of the distance from the GM source proportionally reduce the GM contamination and the necessary distance to decrease the percent below 0.9% is 8.4 m. Our results are in accordance with the EU recommendations which proposed separation distances of 20 m and 50 m for silage and grain maize respectively, values determined based on statistical data of maize areas and aerial photographs with geographic information systems.', 'en_US'),
(3773, 'Preliminary toxicological assessment of Auricularia polytricha cultivated by genetically modified cotton seed hull.', 'By Auricularia polytricha cultivated by non-genetically modified cotton seed hull as negative control, the toxicological assessment of Auricularia polytricha cultivated by genetically modified cotton seed hull was carried out through acute toxicity test, 90-days feeding test, mice sperm abnormality test, mice bone marrow cell micronucleus test, Ames test and teratogenicity test. As no result of these tests was positive, the safety of Auricularia polytricha cultivated by genetically modified cotton seed hull was preliminarily proved. However, the overall and systematic toxicological assessment should be further studied to determine the feasibility of the genetically modified cotton seed hull using in Auricularia polytricha cultivation.', 'en_US'),
(3774, 'Coexistence regulations and agriculture production: a case study of five Bt maize producers in Portugal.', 'In 1998, Genetically Modified (GM) maize entered European Agriculture. After the publication of the European Commission''s guidelines on coexistence in 2003, Portugal developed ex-ante regulatory and ex-post tort liability rules on the coexistence of GM and non-GM maize crops. There is an on-going debate on the extent to which the coexistence policies affect adoption. In this study we measure the costs and benefits of planting GM maize as a member of a cooperative. All group members achieved a higher gross margin by planting GM maize rather than non-GM maize on their farms. Group members did not face any ex-post liability costs and had zero ex-ante regulatory costs as they could easily internalize the ex-ante coexistence regulations. The results show that coexistence regulations such as informing neighbors or keeping minimum distances do not necessarily lead to increased production costs provided they are flexible enough.', 'en_US'),
(3775, 'Binding site alteration is responsible for field-isolated resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis Cry2A insecticidal proteins in two Helicoverpa species.', 'Background -- Evolution of resistance by target pests is the main threat to the long-term efficacy of crops expressing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticidal proteins. Cry2 proteins play a pivotal role in current Bt spray formulations and transgenic crops and they complement Cry1A proteins because of their different mode of action. Their presence is critical in the control of those lepidopteran species, such as Helicoverpa spp., which are not highly susceptible to Cry1A proteins. In Australia, a transgenic variety of cotton expressing Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab (Bollgard II) comprises at least 80% of the total cotton area. Prior to the widespread adoption of Bollgard II, the frequency of alleles conferring resistance to Cry2Ab in field populations of Helicoverpa armigera and Helicoverpa punctigera was significantly higher than anticipated. Colonies established from survivors of F2 screens against Cry2Ab are highly resistant to this toxin, but susceptible to Cry1Ac. Methodology/Principal Findings -- Bioassays performed with surface-treated artificial diet on neonates of H. armigera and H. punctigera showed that Cry2Ab resistant insects were cross-resistant to Cry2Ae while susceptible to Cry1Ab. Binding analyses with 125I-labeled Cry2Ab were performed with brush border membrane vesicles from midguts of Cry2Ab susceptible and resistant insects. The results of the binding analyses correlated with bioassay data and demonstrated that resistant insects exhibited greatly reduced binding of Cry2Ab toxin to midgut receptors, whereas no change in 125I-labeled-Cry1Ac binding was detected. As previously demonstrated for H. armigera, Cry2Ab binding sites in H. punctigera were shown to be shared by Cry2Ae, which explains why an alteration of the shared binding site would lead to cross-resistance between the two Cry2A toxins. Conclusion/Significance -- This is the first time that a mechanism of resistance to the Cry2 class of insecticidal proteins has been reported. Because we found the same mechanism of resistance in multiple strains representing several field populations, we conclude that target site alteration is the most likely means that field populations evolve resistance to Cry2 proteins in Helicoverpa spp. Our work also confirms the presence in the insect midgut of specific binding sites for this class of proteins. Characterizing the Cry2 receptors and their mutations that enable resistance could lead to the development of molecular tools to monitor resistance in the field.', 'en_US'),
(3776, 'Effects of exposure to the toxin Cry1Ab through Bt maize fed-prey on the performance and digestive physiology of the predatory rove beetle Atheta coriaria.', 'In this study we assess the prey-mediated effects of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Cry1Ab-expressed in maize on the performance and digestive physiology of the rove beetle Atheta coriaria (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae), using Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) as prey in tritrophic bioassays. The toxin was detected in both T. urticae and A. coriaria adults and larvae, with concentrations of Cry1Ab decreasing through the trophic chain. In A. coriaria adults, the toxin decayed following an exponential curve, not being detectable in their bodies 24 h after the exposure to Bt-fed mites. When the performance of A. coriaria reared on (i) Bt maize infested with T. urticae, (ii) non-Bt maize infested with T. urticae, and (iii) rearing food were compared, no differences were found in any of the parameters analyzed (duration of immature stages, sex ratio, survivorship, fecundity and egg fertility). Proteolytic activities of A. coriaria adults fed with mites raised on Bt maize did not show differences with those reared on non-Bt fed-prey, indicating that the nutritional quality of the prey was not affected by exposure to the toxin. This work represents the first study dealing with prey-mediated effects of Bt maize on larvae and adults of a rove beetle. The use of this cosmopolitan rove beetle as an indicator species to assess potential effects of genetically modified crops on non-target arthropods is feasible.', 'en_US'),
(3777, 'Development and agronomic performance of transgenic roundup ready spring wheat in the North Central Plains of the United States.', 'The launch of commercially available Roundup Ready (RR) soybean Glycine max (L.) Merr. cultivars in 1996 initiated a new era in agricultural weed management. Efforts with the goal of creating commercially available hard red spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.; HRSW) cultivars were initiated between Monsanto and three HRSW breeding programs located in the North Central Plains of United States. A backcross (BC) breeding scheme was initiated to introgress the RR trait into four previously released HRSW cultivars with the ultimate goal of offering a novel and cost-effective weed management option to growers through the application of Roundup herbicide directly over established RR HRSW cultivars. Agronomic field tests were performed in 2002 and 2003 with 12 transgenic backcross-derived (BCD) RR HRSW breeding lines and four recurrent parent (RP) cultivars in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota. Grain yield, grain volume weight, and days to heading among the RR HRSW lines were largely similar to their respective RP cultivars. However, plant lodging scores were often significantly lower among the BCD-RR lines compared to the conventional cultivars.', 'en_US');
INSERT INTO `bibliography_bibliography_i18n` (`id`, `title`, `abstract`, `locale`) VALUES
(3778, 'A framework for postrelease environmental monitoring of second-generation crops with novel traits.', 'As first-generation genetically modified/transgenic crops with novel agronomic traits have been grown commercially in a number of countries since the mid-1990s, second-generation crops with novel traits (CNTs) are now being tested in confined field trials around the world. Postrelease monitoring (PRM) of abiotic stress-tolerant and other second-generation CNTs will strengthen prerelease environmental risk assessments, for which protocols are being developed. We outline a comprehensive framework and protocol for case-specific PRM of such CNTs in Canada, using drought-tolerant canola (Brassica napus L.) as a model CNT. The primary potential environmental risk associated with cultivation of drought-tolerant canola is increased invasiveness of volunteers or feral plants (self-perpetuating populations) and weedy relative-crop hybrids or backcrossed progeny in ruderal (noncropped disturbed) and natural areas adjacent to CNT cultivation, resulting in loss of abundance or biodiversity of native plant species. Accurately predicting CNT invasiveness a priori is problematic, especially for traits that may enhance plant fitness and invasiveness. Thus, PRM can effectively address the greater uncertainties in the environmental risk assessment of these second-generation vs. first-generation CNTs and thereby enhance environmental protection and security of the food supply.', 'en_US'),
(3779, 'Variability in the response of Helicoverpa zea and Heliothis virescens (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab2 in diet incorporation assays.', 'Our dataset on susceptibility of Helicoverpa zea and Heliothis virescens to insecticidal proteins expressed in Bt cotton is large, spans nearly two decades and may be suitable for exploration of a number of insect resistance management questions. Both species exhibit wide variability among field populations in response to toxins incorporated into meridic diet, and both species can be selected for elevated responses to toxin challenge in diet assays. Shifts in measured susceptibility over time and geographic location may be important indicators of changing levels of field resistance, but more work is needed to associate variability observed in diet assays with variability in survival of insects on toxin expressing plants in the field.', 'en_US'),
(3780, 'Communal benefits of transgenic corn.', 'Genetically engineered crops represent one of the most controversial and rapidly adopted technologies in the history of agriculture. First grown commercially in 1996, transgenic crops covered 135 million hectares (ha) in 25 countries during 2009 (1). To reduce reliance on insecticide sprays, corn and cotton have been genetically engineered to make insecticidal proteins derived from the common bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). These Bt toxins kill some devastating insect pests, but unlike broad-spectrum insecticides, they do little or no harm to most other organisms, including people (2). Many pests have rapidly evolved resistance to insecticides, however, spurring concerns that adaptation by pests could quickly reduce the efficacy of Bt crops and the associated environmental, health, and economic benefits (3–7). On page 222 of this issue, Hutchison et al. (8) rein in some of those concerns, documenting a landmark case in which Bt corn has remained effective against a major pest for more than a decade, yielding billions of dollars of estimated benefits to farmers in the midwestern United States.', 'en_US'),
(3781, 'Areawide suppression of European corn borer with Bt maize reaps savings to non-Bt maize growers.', 'Transgenic maize engineered to express insecticidal proteins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) has become widely adopted in U.S. agriculture. In 2009, Bt maize was planted on more than 22.2 million hectares, constituting 63% of the U.S. crop. Using statistical analysis of per capita growth rate estimates, we found that areawide suppression of the primary pest Ostrinia nubilalis (European corn borer) is associated with Bt maize use. Cumulative benefits over 14 years are an estimated $3.2 billion for maize growers in Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, with more than $2.4 billion of this total accruing to non-Bt maize growers. Comparable estimates for Iowa and Nebraska are $3.6 billion in total, with $1.9 billion for non-Bt maize growers. These results affirm theoretical predictions of pest population suppression and highlight economic incentives for growers to maintain non-Bt maize refugia for sustainable insect resistance management.', 'en_US'),
(3782, 'Study on the compositional differences between transgenic and non-transgenic papaya (Carica papaya L.).', 'Transgenic papaya (Carica papaya L.) was produced with the introduction of replicase (rep) gene for resistance to papaya ringspot virus (PRSV). In order to investigate the potential unintended compositional changes in transgenic papaya, profiles of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), sugar/polyals, organic acids, carotenoids and alkaloids in transgenic and non-transgenic papaya were obtained respectively by HPLC, GC–MS and LC–MS, and compared mutually by multivariate statistical methods, including principal component analysis (PCA) and similarity analysis method. Results showed that the composition in transgenic papayas exhibited great similarity to non-transgenic counterparts for measured components. The contents of important nutrients of &amp;#946;-carotene and vitamin C and two natural toxicants, including benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) and carpaine, were compared by analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results also showed that content was similar between transgenic papayas and non-transgenic counterparts for these components. The variation of composition in papaya caused by genetic effect was slight during two harvesting times during our work. It is hoped that this study could provide some reference value for a safety evaluation of transgenic papaya from the compositional point of view, and could also propose a method for discrimination of transgenic food from non-transgenic counterparts.', 'en_US'),
(3783, 'Can leaf litter from genetically modified trees affect aquatic ecosystems?', 'In addition to potential benefits, biotechnology in silviculture may also be associated with environmental considerations, including effects on organisms associated with the living tree and on ecosystems and processes dependent on tree residue. We examined whether genetic modification of lignin characteristics (CAD and COMT) in Populus sp. affected leaf litter quality, the decomposition of leaf litter, and the assemblages of aquatic insects colonizing the litter in three natural streams. The decomposition of leaf litter from one of the genetically modified (GM) lines (CAD) was affected in ways that were comparable over streams and harvest dates. After 84 days in streams, CAD-litter had lost approximately 6.1% less mass than the non-GM litter. Genetic modification also affected the concentration of phenolics and carbon in the litter but this only partially explained the decomposition differences, suggesting that other factors were also involved. Insect community analyses comparing GM and non-GM litter showed no significant differences, and the two GM litters showed differences only in the 84-day litterbags. The total abundance and species richness of insects were also similar on GM and non-GM litter. The results presented here suggest that genetic modifications in trees can influence litter quality and thus have a potential to generate effects that can cross ecosystem boundaries and influence ecosystem processes not directly associated with the tree. Overall, the realized ecological effects of the GM tree varieties used here were nevertheless shown to be relatively small.', 'en_US'),
(3784, 'Monitoring the commercial cultivation of Bt maize in Europe -- conclusions and recommendations for future monitoring practice.', 'Genetically modified (GM) maize expressing the insecticidal protein Cry1Ab from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt maize) is the only GM crop planted commercially in the European Union (EU). Cultivation in accordance with Directive 2001/18/EC demands post-market environmental monitoring (PMEM) to ensure the detection and prevention of adverse effects on the environment possibly deriving from commercial cultivation. Based on a seminar organized in Berlin, Germany, in April 2008 by the EU-funded Biosafenet project, the present paper reflects on experiences and hurdles faced during the implementation of PMEM for Bt maize. It reviews and reconsiders PMEM programs of Bt maize in view of existing experiences from cultivation, current monitoring activities initiated by Member States and applicants, proposed monitoring strategies and methods as well as potential environmental impacts of cultivation. Future challenges will arise from large-scale and cumulative cultivation of various events. This will demand optimized organization structures for data collation and integration to support further decision-making and management.', 'en_US'),
(3785, 'Existence of vigorous lineages of crop-wild hybrids in Lettuce under field conditions.', 'Plant to plant gene flow is a route of environmental exposure for GM plants specifically since crosses with wild relatives could lead to the formation of more vigorous hybrids, which could increase the rate of introgression and the environmental impact. Here, we test the first step in the process of potential transgene introgression: whether hybrid vigor can be inherited to the next generation, which could lead to fixation of altered, i.e., elevated, quantitative traits.\r\nThe potential for a permanent elevated fitness was tested using individual autogamous progeny lineages of hybrids between the crop Lactuca sativa (Lettuce) and the wild species Lactuca serriola (Prickly Lettuce). We compared progeny from motherplants grown under either greenhouse or field conditions. The survival of young plants depended strongly on maternal environment. Furthermore, we observed that offspring reproductive fitness components were correlated with maternal fitness.\r\nOur study demonstrates that post-zygotic genotypic sorting at the young plants stage reduces the number of genotypes non-randomly, leading to inheritance of high levels of reproductive traits in the surviving hybrid lineages, compared to the pure wild relatives.\r\nConsequently, directional selection could lead to displacement of the pure wild relative and fixation of more vigorous genome segments originating from crops, stabilizing plant traits at elevated levels. Such information can be used to indentify segments which are less likely to introgress into wild relative populations as a target for transgene insertion.', 'en_US'),
(3786, 'Three-dimensional prediction of maize pollen dispersal and cross-pollination, and the effects of windbreaks.', 'With the extensive adoption of transgenic crops, an understanding of transgene flow is essential to manage gene flow to non-GM crops. Thus, a flexible and accurate numerical model is required to assess gene flow through pollen dispersal. A three-dimensional atmospheric model combined with a diffusion transport model would be a useful tool for predicting pollen dispersal since it would be flexible enough to incorporate the effects of factors such as the spatial arrangement of crop combinations, land use, topography, windbreaks, and buildings. We applied such a model to field measurements of gene flow between two adjacent maize (Zea mays) cultivars, with suppression effects due to windbreaks, in an experimental cornfield in Japan. This combined model reproduced the measured cross-pollination distribution quite well in the case of maize plots with plant windbreaks slightly taller than the maize and without windbreaks, but the model underestimated the effect of a 6-m-tall windbreak net beyond 25 m from the donor pollen source on cross-pollination. The underestimation was most probably due to the problem of assimilated wind data. The model showed that the 6-m-tall windbreak and the plant wind break suppressed average cross-pollination rate by about 60% and 30%, respectively. Half-tall and coarser mesh windbreak net suppressed cross-pollination rates by 40% by reducing the swirl of donor pollen by reduced wind speed.', 'en_US'),
(3787, 'Attraction of the parasitoid Cotesia marginiventris to host (Spodoptera frugiperda) frass is affected by transgenic maize.', 'We assessed in the laboratory the attraction of the parasitoid Cotesia marginiventris (Cresson) toward odors emitted by conventional maize (Zea mays L. ssp. mays) and Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) maize seedlings following actual or simulated injury by Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith), the parasitoid’s host, and emitted by the host’s frass, produced following consumption of conventional or Bt maize seedlings. Females of C. marginiventris exhibited similarly strong responses to conventional and Bt maize seedlings injured by the host or with simulated injury, and these were stronger than responses to clean air. In contrast, the responses of C. marginiventris females were consistently weaker toward host frass derived from Bt maize tissue compared to frass derived from conventional maize tissue. We hypothesized that the weakened response was due to a detrimental effect of Bt endotoxins, present in the Bt maize tissue, on the bacterial community present in the host’s gut and frass, including bacteria that produce odors attractive to C. marginiventris. As an initial test of our hypothesis, we compared between the responses of C. marginiventris females to host frass produced following consumption of Bt maize and frass produced from conventional maize which had been treated with an antibiotic (tetracycline) to eliminate host gut bacteria. Our results showed that C. marginiventris females responded similarly weakly to host frass derived from conventional maize tissue treated with antibiotic and to frass derived from Bt maize tissue, treated or untreated with antibiotic, while they responded strongly to frass derived from conventional maize untreated with antibiotic, so provided initial, partial support for our hypothesis. We discussed the weakened response of C. marginiventris females to host frass derived from Bt maize in the context of plausible impacts of transgenic crop cultivars on parasitoid foraging and populations, and the implications for biological control of non-target, polyphagous pests, such as S. frugiperda.', 'en_US'),
(3788, 'Frequency of Bt resistance alleles in Helicoverpa armigera in the Xinjiang cotton-planting region of China.', 'Helicoverpa armigera Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a key insect pest of cotton in Xinjiang cotton-planting region of northwest China. In this region, cotton is grown on average &amp;#8764;1.65 million ha (1.53&amp;#8764;1.80 million ha) annually in largely monoculture agricultural landscapes, similarly to cropping systems in the United States or Australia. Under such cropping regimes, naturally occurring refuges (with non-Bt crops) may be insufficient to prevent H. armigera resistance development to Bt toxins. Therefore, we assessed frequency of alleles conferring resistance to Cry1Ac toxin of F1 and F2 offspring of H. armigera isofemale lines from two distinct localities in the region during 2005-2009. More specifically, a total of 224 isofemale lines was collected from Korla County (&amp;#8781;70% Bt cotton adoption) and 402 lines from Shache County (&amp;#8781;5% Bt cotton planting). Subsequent offspring was screened on Cry1Ac artificial diet. From 2005 to 2009, resistance gene frequency in Korla fluctuated between 0.0000 and 0.0040, while being 0.0000-0.0008 in individuals collected from Shache, and there were no significant increases in both counties from 2005 to 2009. Relative average development rates (RADRs) of larvae in F1 tests showed significant increases from Korla, but not in Shache. RADR of F1 larvae is significantly correlated with RADR of F2 offspring, indicating genetic variation in response to toxin in field H. armigera population. Although the occurrence of Cry1Ac resistance alleles was low in Xinjiang cotton-planting region of China, particular attention should be given to H. armigera resistance development in Korla County.', 'en_US'),
(3789, 'Effect of integrated pest management practices on natural enemies of pests in Bt cotton.', 'Studies were conducted to assess the impact of various Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices on natural enemy complex in Bt cotton (MECH-184 Bt) at Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Raichur and in farmers fields. The results revealed a significantly higher predator population of Chrysopids (eggs and larvae), coccinellids (grubs and adults), anthocorids (adults) and spiders on MECH-184 Bt cotton compared to NCS-145 (Bunny, local popular hybrid). The increased population of natural enemies in Bt cotton was attributed to lesser number of insecticidal sprays and prevalence of sucking pests which served as food for predators. The utilization of natural enemies in transgenic cotton cultivation would be valuable.', 'en_US'),
(3790, 'Next-generation protein-rich potato expressing the seed protein gene AmA1 is a result of proteome rebalancing in transgenic tuber.', 'Protein deficiency is the most crucial factor that affects physical growth and development and that increases morbidity and mortality especially in developing countries. Efforts have been made to improve protein quality and quantity in crop plants but with limited success. Here, we report the development of transgenic potatoes with enhanced nutritive value by tuber-specific expression of a seed protein, AmA1 (Amaranth Albumin 1), in seven genotypic backgrounds suitable for cultivation in different agro-climatic regions. Analyses of the transgenic tubers revealed up to 60% increase in total protein content. In addition, the concentrations of several essential amino acids were increased significantly in transgenic tubers, which are otherwise limited in potato. Moreover, the transgenics also exhibited enhanced photosynthetic activity with a concomitant increase in total biomass. These results are striking because this genetic manipulation also resulted in a moderate increase in tuber yield. The comparative protein profiling suggests that the proteome rebalancing might cause increased protein content in transgenic tubers. Furthermore, the data on field performance and safety evaluation indicate that the transgenic potatoes are suitable for commercial cultivation. In vitro and in vivo studies on experimental animals demonstrate that the transgenic tubers are also safe for human consumption. Altogether, these results emphasize that the expression of AmA1 is a potential strategy for the nutritional improvement of food crops.', 'en_US'),
(3791, 'Occurrence of maize detritus and a transgenic insecticidal protein (Cry1Ab) within the stream network of an agricultural landscape.', 'Widespread planting of maize throughout the agricultural Midwest may result in detritus entering adjacent stream ecosystems, and 63% of the 2009 US maize crop was genetically modified to express insecticidal Cry proteins derived from Bacillus thuringiensis. Six months after harvest, we conducted a synoptic survey of 217 stream sites in Indiana to determine the extent of maize detritus and presence of Cry1Ab protein in the stream network. We found that 86% of stream sites contained maize leaves, cobs, husks, and/or stalks in the active stream channel. We also detected Cry1Ab protein in stream-channel maize at 13% of sites and in the water column at 23% of sites. We found that 82% of stream sites were adjacent to maize fields, and Geographical Information Systems analyses indicated that 100% of sites containing Cry1Ab-positive detritus in the active stream channel had maize planted within 500 m during the previous crop year. Maize detritus likely enters streams throughout the Corn Belt; using US Department of Agriculture land cover data, we estimate that 91% of the 256,446 km of streams/rivers in Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana are located within 500 m of a maize field. Maize detritus is common in low-gradient stream channels in northwestern Indiana, and Cry1Ab proteins persist in maize leaves and can be measured in the water column even 6 mo after harvest. Hence, maize detritus, and associated Cry1Ab proteins, are widely distributed and persistent in the headwater streams of a Corn Belt landscape.', 'en_US'),
(3792, 'Review of 30 years of research conducted in France on pollination of oilseed rape.', 'This article is a report of nearly 30 years of investigations made at INRA Rennes on oilseed rape pollination. During those years, the cultivars diversified and with them the pollination needs. Two apparently contradictory purposes were followed: i) to optimize the pollen transfer to produce hybrid seed, ii) to reduce pollen transfer to warrant pure seeds production or to limit GMO pollen dispersal. Knowing that pollen transfers are due to insects and wind, the role of the two vectors was respectively studied. Briefly here we show that the role of insects has often been underestimated even in the pollination of conventional (hermaphroditic) oilseed rape and that the pollen of oilseed rape is not suited to wind dispersal and is therefore transported at only short distance.', 'en_US'),
(3793, 'Effects of genetically modified amylopectin-accumulating potato plants on the abundance of beneficial and pathogenic microorganisms in the rhizosphere.', 'In this study, the potential effects of a genetically modified (GM) amylopectin-accumulating potato line (Solanum tuberosum L.) on plant beneficial bacteria and fungi as well as on phytopathogens in the rhizosphere were investigated in a greenhouse experiment and a field trial. For comparison, the non-transgenic parental cultivar of the GM line and a second non-transgenic cultivar were included in the study. Rhizospheres were sampled during young leaf development (EC30) and at florescence (EC60). The microbial community composition was analysed by real-time PCR to quantify the abundances of Pseudomonas spp., Clavibacter michiganensis, Trichoderma spp. and Phytophthora infestans. Additionally, total bacterial and fungal abundances were measured. None of the examined gene abundance patterns were affected by the genetic modification when wild type and GM line were compared. However, significant differences were observed between the two natural potato cultivars, especially during the early leaf development of the plants. Furthermore, gene abundance patterns were also influenced by the plant developmental stage. Interestingly, the impact of the cultivar and the plant vegetation stage on the microbial community structure was more pronounced in field than in greenhouse. Overall, field-grown plants showed a higher abundance of microorganisms in the rhizosphere than plants grown under greenhouse conditions.', 'en_US'),
(3794, 'Natural refuge crops, buildup of resistance, and zero-refuge strategy for Bt cotton in China.', 'In the context of genetically modified crops expressing the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxin, a ‘refuge’ refers to a crop of the same or a related species that is planted nearby to enable growth and reproduction of the target pest without the selection pressure imposed by the Bt toxin. The goal of this study is to discuss the role of natural refuge crops in slowing down the buildup of resistance of cotton bollworm (CBW), and to evaluate China’s no-refuge policy for Bt cotton. We describe in detail the different factors that China should consider in relation to the refuge policy. Drawing on a review of scientific data, economic analyses of other cases, and a simulation exercise using a bio-economic model, we show that in the case of Bt cotton in China, the no-refuge policy is defensible.', 'en_US'),
(3795, 'Evaluating resistance to Bt toxin Cry1Ab by F2 screen in European populations of Ostrinia nubilalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae).', 'The large-scale cultivation of transgenic crops producing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins have already lead to the evolution of Bt resistance in some pest populations targeted by these crops. We used the F2 screening method for further estimating the frequency of resistance alleles of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), to Bt maize, Zea mays L., producing the Cry1Ab toxin. In France, Germany, and Italy, 784, 455, and 80 lines of European corn borer were screened for resistance to Mon810 maize, respectively. In Slovakia, 26 lines were screened for resistance to the Cry1Ab toxin. The cost of F2 screen performed in the four countries varied from US$300 to $1,300 per line screened. The major difference in cost was mostly due to a severe loss of univoltine lines during the screen in Germany and Slovakia. In none of the screened lines did we detect alleles conferring resistance to Mon810 maize or to the Cry1Ab toxin. The frequency of resistance alleles were &lt;1.0 × 10-3, &lt;1.6 × 10-3, &lt;9.2 × 10-3, and &lt;2.6 × 10-2 in France, Germany, Italy, and Slovakia, with 95% probability, respectively. The average detection probability over all lines was &amp;#8781;90%. Making the assumption that European corn borer populations in these countries belong to the same genetic entity, the frequency of alleles conferring resistance to the Cry1Ab produced by the Mon810 maize in western and central Europe was 1.0 × 10&amp;#8722;4, with a 95% confidence interval of 0-3.0 × 10&amp;#8722;4.', 'en_US'),
(3796, 'Effects of four nematode species on fitness costs of pink bollworm resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis toxin Cry1Ac.', 'Evolution of resistance by pests can reduce the efficacy of transgenic crops that produce insecticidal toxins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt). In conjunction with refuges of non-Bt host plants, fitness costs can delay the evolution of resistance. Furthermore, fitness costs often vary with ecological conditions, suggesting that agricultural landscapes can be manipulated to magnify fitness costs and thereby prolong the efficacy of Bt crops. In the current study, we tested the effects of four species of entomopathogenic nematodes (Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae) on the magnitude and dominance of fitness costs of resistance to Bt toxin Cry1Ac in pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae). For more than a decade, field populations of pink bollworm in the United States have remained susceptible to Bt cotton Gossypium hirsutum L. producing Cry1Ac; however, we used laboratory strains that had a mixture of susceptible and resistant individuals. In laboratory experiments, dominant fitness costs were imposed by the nematode Steinernema riobrave Cabanillas, Poinar, and Raulston but no fitness costs were imposed by Steinernema carpocapsae Weiser, Steinernema sp. (ML18 strain), or Heterorhabditis sonorensis Stock, Rivera-Orduño, and Flores-Lara. In computer simulations, evolution of resistance to Cry1Ac by pink bollworm was substantially delayed by treating some non-Bt cotton refuge fields with nematodes that imposed a dominant fitness cost, similar to the cost observed in laboratory experiments with S. riobrave. Based on the results here and in related studies, we conclude that entomopathogenic nematodes could bolster insect resistance management, but the success of this approach will depend on selecting the appropriate species of nematode and environment, as fitness costs were magnified by only two of five species evaluated and also depended on environmental factors.', 'en_US'),
(3797, 'Strategic research, education and policy goals for seed science and crop improvement.', 'Genetically improved varieties and their delivery through high quality seeds have been essential contributors to yield increases that have allowed crop production to keep pace with population growth. However, as global population continues to expand and economies improve, crop production will need to double again by 2050 to meet demand. To do this without markedly expanding cultivated area will require new breakthroughs in plant breeding. This article, based upon a consensus developed at a broadly based American Seed Research Summit in 2008, identifies critical research topics, educational priorities and policy issues that were considered essential to this effort. Research targets focus on germplasm conservation and characterization, seed production and quality, fundamental genetic mechanisms, advanced breeding strategies, and knowledge systems to manage data and information to support development of crops with improved resource use efficiency and stress tolerance. A diverse pool of high quality plant breeders and researchers must be educated to carry out this work. An effective and efficient regulatory system should support innovation in variety improvement by balancing risks and benefits. Public–private partnerships are a key component of achieving these goals.', 'en_US'),
(3798, 'Gene flow of transgenic seed-expressed traits: biosafety considerations.', 'There are a few instances where seed-expressed traits may pose a biosafety risk, depending on the species, the trait, and where it is cultivated. The fewest ecological risks of pollen flow are posed to the natural environment, as there are few crops growing in or near pristine environments that have interbreeding relatives, or bear traits that could disrupt ecological balances. Some seed-expressed traits might pose an agro-ecological risk if introgressed into related weeds. Only pharmaceutical or industrial seed-expressed traits are likely to introgress into other varieties of a crop at regulatory red flag levels due to zero tolerance at the most sensitive levels of detection when grown at normal separation distances. Other traits would be below regulatory thresholds if required separations distances are met. Two of the three transgenic containment methods described (plastome transformation, attenuated viruses) are unlikely to work with seed-expressed traits. Transgenic mitigation could be used where the seed-expressed trait is linked with a trait that is positive or neutral to a crop but deleterious to its wild or weedy relative. Typical mitigation traits are dwarfing, no seed shattering, and lack of secondary dormancy. There are special mitigator genes, such as transgenically dominant sugary endosperm that might be appropriate for pharmaceutical traits. Biosafety gene flow protection mechanisms are also needed to prevent wild type poisonous seed crops (e.g. castor and Jatropha) from introgressing toxin genes into seeds of varieties where these toxins have been transgenically eliminated.', 'en_US'),
(3799, 'Qualitative and quantitative molecular testing methodologies and traceability systems for commercialised Bt cotton events and other Bt crops under field trials in India.', 'Qualitative and quantitative PCR assays were developed for detection of commercialised Bt cotton events, i.e. MON531, MON15985 and other Bt crops, which are under different stages of field trials in India, i.e. Bt brinjal, Bt rice, Bt cauliflower, Bt potato and Bt okra. Multiplex PCR assays simultaneously detecting specific cry1Ac, cry1Ab, cry2Ab genes, Cauliflower Mosaic Virus 35S promoter, nptII marker gene along with species- or taxon-specific endogenous gene in these Bt crops have been developed. The quantitative real-time PCR assays were also reported for cry1Ac gene using designed primers and TaqMan probe. The sensitivity of developed assays for detection of specific transgene was established up to 0.01%. The analytical methods developed in the present report will be of immense use for qualitative screening and detection of Bt crops along with the quantitative analysis of inserted cry1Ac gene to meet the threshold level for regulatory compliance.', 'en_US'),
(3800, 'Activities of digestive and detoxification enzymes in multiple generations of beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hubner), in response to transgenic Bt cotton.', 'To reveal the multi-generation effects of transgenic Bt cotton on the metabolism of secondary target herbivores, the activities of digestive and detoxification enzymes in beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner), fed with transgenic Bt (cv. GK-12) vs. non-Bt cotton (cv. Simian-3) for three successive generations were examined. Significantly lower activities of lipase, carboxylesterase (CarE) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and higher activities of trypsin and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) were observed in Bt-fed S. exigua than in non-Bt fed individuals during the three generations. But the activity of amylase did not differ between the Bt-fed and non-Bt fed S. exigua. Among the three generations of Bt-fed S. exigua, the activities of lipase and trypsin decreased significantly in the second or third generation than in the first generation. But those of CarE and AChE were increased significantly. Among the three generations of non-Bt fed S. exigua, the activity of lipase was significantly higher in the second and third generations than in the first generation. The increasing adaptation and fitness of S. exigua after continuous exposure to Bt cotton was supposed to be associated with the enhanced activities of detoxification enzymes. Measuring multi-generational enzymes activities of S. exigua in response to Bt cotton can provide proofs of its adaptation development, which is suggested to be a mandatory part of risk assessment of transgenic Bt plants on secondary target herbivores.', 'en_US'),
(3801, 'Debate on GMOs health risks after statistical findings in regulatory tests.', 'We summarize the major points of international debate on health risk studies for the main commercialized edible GMOs. These GMOs are soy, maize and oilseed rape designed to contain new pesticide residues since they have been modified to be herbicide-tolerant (mostly to Roundup) or to produce mutated Bt toxins. The debated alimentary chronic risks may come from unpredictable insertional mutagenesis effects, metabolic effects, or from the new pesticide residues. The most detailed regulatory tests on the GMOs are three-month long feeding trials of laboratory rats, which are biochemically assessed. The tests are not compulsory, and are not independently conducted. The test data and the corresponding results are kept in secret by the companies. Our previous analyses of regulatory raw data at these levels, taking the representative examples of three GM maize NK 603, MON 810, and MON 863 led us to conclude that hepatorenal toxicities were possible, and that longer testing was necessary. Our study was criticized by the company developing the GMOs in question and the regulatory bodies, mainly on the divergent biological interpretations of statistically significant biochemical and physiological effects. We present the scientific reasons for the crucially different biological interpretations and also highlight the shortcomings in the experimental protocols designed by the company. The debate implies an enormous responsibility towards public health and is essential due to nonexistent traceability or epidemiological studies in the GMO-producing countries.', 'en_US'),
(3802, 'Current status of Helicoverpa zea and Heliothis virescens within a changing landscape in the Southern United States and Mexico.', 'An update of the current status of corn earworm, Helicoverpe zea (Boddie), the tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (Fabricius), and other heliothine pests in the Southern United States and Mexico is presented. A brief description of the damage caused to their host plants, their host range, geographic distribution, susceptibility to chemical and biological pesticides, development of resistance to pesticides, and the role of the new hybrids carrying one or multiple Bt toxins in their IPM are discussed.', 'en_US'),
(3803, 'A review of U.S. and Mexican cooperation to develop insect resistance management and monitoring methods for surveying transgenic crops expressing Bacillus thuringiensis proteins: 2003 to 2010.', 'Transgenic crops expressing one or more Becillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) toxins are being commercialized worldwide, primarily because of their efficacy against several economically-important lepidopteran pests. However, the risk of insects developing resistance to Bt toxins concerns organic growers, farmers, and seed producers. Because of the ecology and migratory ability of several lepidopteran pests, the USA and Mexico share geographical overlap with cropping systems that include Bt maize, Zee meys L.; and Bt cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L.; that impact these pest species. With mobile pests and concern for the development of proactive resistance management programs, scientists from both countries have organized meetings and workshops since 2003. This manuscript summarizes the achievements of the USA and Mexico collaborations in surveying Bt-expressing crops and pest dynamics from 2003 to 2010.', 'en_US'),
(3804, 'Mode of action of Bacillus thuringiensis-genetically modified Cry1AbMod and Cry1AcMod toxins: role of alkaline pH in toxin oligomerization.', 'The Cry proteins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner are effective bioinsecticides against different insect pests. The primary threat to their long-term use is evolution of resistance by pests. Cry toxins are produced as protoxins activated in larval-gut lumen. The toxins bind to receptors that induce oligomerization and insertion into the membrane forming ionic pores that kill the cells and the larvae. The Cry1AMod toxins were created by genetic engineering of Cry1A by the deletion of the N-terminal end. These proteins kill resistant insects, in particular, those that have eliminated or modified one of the toxin receptors. Cry1AMod toxins could have potential to be used to control insect resistance. However, for the future use of these proteins in the field, it is important to demonstrate their mechanism of action is similar to the wild-type Cry1A toxins. Here we summarize results regarding the mode of action of CryMod toxins showing they have a similar mechanism as wild-type Cry toxins.', 'en_US'),
(3805, 'New insights into the mode of action of Cry1Ab toxin used in transgenic insect-resistant crops.', 'Bacillus thuringensis Berliner Cry1A toxins are three-domain proteins that show insecticidal activity to certain important lepidopteran insect pests. Transgenic plants, Bt-maize, Zea mays L.; or Bt-cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L.; expressing Cry1Ab or Cry1Ac toxins have been planted worldwide and are efficient in insect control. Here, we revise recent data on the mode of action of Cry1Ab toxin. After activation by proteases in the midgut, Cry1Ab toxin binds to the more abundant but low affinity glicosylphophatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins alkaline phosphatase or aminopeptidase-N (ALP and APN, respectively) through domain II loop 3 and domain III ß16. This binding event concentrates the toxin in the microvilli membrane where it then binds to Cadherin receptor with high affinity. After binding to Cadherin, an extra proteolytical cleavage is produced and oligomers are formed. Oligomers gain a 200 higher binding affinity to both GPI-anchored proteins through domain II loop 2. The binding of Cry1Ab oligomers to GPI-anchored proteins facilitates insertion into the membrane and pore formation. This binding mechanism was named ping-pong because it involves going from GPI-anchored proteins to Cadherin and back to GPI-anchored proteins before membrane insertion. We also show the ALP receptor has a greater role in toxicity than does APN.', 'en_US'),
(3806, 'A review of Vip3A mode of action and effects on Bt Cry protein-resistant colonies of Lepidopteran larvae.', '', 'en_US'),
(3807, 'Bt resistance in Helicoverpa zea (Boddie): from biology to monitoring.', 'Results from conventional resistance monitoring and F2 screens have found no evidence of major resistance alleles to Cry1Ac in the bollworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), in US cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., fields. Furthermore, sentinel field plot results show no changes in field performance of Cry1Ac cotton despite 14 years of commercial use. Although insecticide-resistant management practices such as refugia, insecticide oversprays, and pyramided traits in Bt cotton have likely contributed to the lack of observed resistance development and changes in field efficacy, fitness costs associated with the development of Cry1Ac resistance in bollworm probably also have contributed to this outcome. This paper discusses various fitness costs associated with Cry1Ac resistance in bollworm and concludes with a discussion of how exclusive use of diet-based laboratory bioassays may underestimate their role in delaying development of resistance to Bt.', 'en_US'),
(3808, 'Monitoring of Bt resistance from field-collected Helicoverpa armigera populations in Northern China.', 'Transgenic crops that produce toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) to control insects are grown widely, but rapid evolution of resistance by pests could nullify the benefits of Bt. Cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa ermigere Hübner, is an economically important lepidopteran pest that has experienced intense selection for resistance to Bt-Cry1Ac cotton in China since 1997. Since 2002, changes in the frequency of alleles for resistance and the quantitative shifts in tolerance to Cry1Ac were monitored for 7 years using bioassays of F1 and F2 offspring of isofemale lines of larvae of H. armigera from the field in Xiajin County of Shandong Province (an intensive Bt cotton planting area) and Anci County of Hebei Province (a multiple-crop system including maize, Zee mays L.; soybean, Glycine max L.; peanut, Arechis hypogaea L.; and Bt cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L.) in Northern China. Here, we summarized the monitoring data from Xiajin and Anci regions during 2002–2008. The monitoring results during this period indicated that the frequency of alleles for resistance has remained low in both regions of China. The results suggested that natural refugia may be part of an effective management strategy for delaying the evolution of resistance in H. armigera to Bt cotton in Northern China.', 'en_US'),
(3809, 'Expanded use of pyramided transgenic maize hybrids expressing novel Bacillus thuringiensis toxins in the southern U.S.: potential for areawide suppression of Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in the Mississippi Delta.', 'The corn earworm or cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), is an economically important pest throughout much of North America, but particularly in the southern U.S., where many crops are vulnerable to damage. Although transgenic cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., expressing selected insecticidal toxins of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) has been available since 1996 in the southern states, the Cry1Ac toxin in cotton and Cry1Ab in maize, Zea meys L., are not known to cause consistent mortality in H. zea. Consequently, long-term areawide suppression would not be expected. However, with the advent of pyramided Bt events for cotton and field corn, and in the absence of the evolution of field-level resistance to Bt toxins, the potential exists for these crops to suppress H. zea. Simulation modeling predicted the initial decrease in abundance to be rapid, illustrating the impact of an immediate adoption of the two Bt crops, with high efficacy. Abundance of H. zea remained low and approximated an 85% reduction from baseline. This decrease or areawide suppression effect was proportional to the 80 and 90% Bt use rates for maize and cotton, respectively. The residual population that remains is largely the result of the net influx of moths via annual migration from outside Mississippi. These results are discussed within the context of resistance management and alternative migration and crop composition scenarios.', 'en_US'),
(3810, 'Susceptibility of isofamilies of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to Cry1Ac and Cry1Fa proteins of Bacillus thuringiensis.', 'The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), is one of the most important insect pests on the American continent. Its control has relied primarily on multiple applications of insecticides that can amount to 1,000 g of active ingredient per hectare on some of approximately 30 crops the insect damages. The use of genetically engineered crops that express Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Berliner toxins, Bt-corn, Zee meys L.; and Bt-cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L.; are other ways to control this insect. However, fall armyworm is one of the Lepidoptera species least susceptible to Bt proteins, and a case of high tolerance to Bt-corn has already being reported. We found the susceptibility to Cry1Ac and Cry1Fa proteins of Bt in 133 isofamilies from five regions of three countries was similar to the susceptibility of two Bt-susceptible laboratory colonies to these proteins. Four isofamilies from Puerto Rico were very tolerant to Cry1Fa and not so tolerant to Cry1Ac. Two of the four isofamilies were backcrossed with a Bt-susceptible laboratory colony and their progeny was as susceptible to both Bt proteins as was the Bt-susceptible colony, indicating that resistance to Bt is a recessive trait.', 'en_US'),
(3811, 'Field-evolved resistance to Bt cotton: bollworm in the U.S. and pink bollworm in India.', 'Some field populations of bollworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), in the southeastern U.S. have evolved resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) toxins Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab produced by transgenic cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L. Decreased susceptibility to Cry1Ac, the toxin in first-generation Bt cotton (Bollgard), was detected in laboratory diet bioassays and was associated with increased survival on Bollgard plant tissues and control problems in the field. Bollgard cotton is no longer registered in the U.S. and has been replaced primarily by Bt cotton that produces Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab (Bollgard II). Laboratory diet bioassay results showed that the percentage of field populations resistant to Cry2Ab increased from 0% in 2002 to 50% in 2005. In bioassays from 2003 to 2006, 14 field-derived strains of bollworm had &lt;50% mortality at 150 µg Cry2Ab per milliliter of diet, the highest toxin concentration tested. As with the recently reported resistance of pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders), to Bollgard cotton in India, laboratory diet bioassays provide the critical data documenting genetically based decreases in susceptibility of bollworm field populations to Bt toxins Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab. Resistance to Bt toxins linked with increased damage to Bt crops in the field has now been documented in at least four target lepidopteran pests. Systematic analyses of these cases, as well as the many cases in which pests remain susceptible to Bt crops, can provide knowledge useful for increasing the durability of current and future generations of transgenic insecticidal crops.', 'en_US'),
(3812, 'Insights into the genetics and molecular mechanisms of pink bollworm resistance to Cry toxins.', 'Transgenic crops producing Becillus thuringiensis (Bt) Berliner (Bacillales: Bacillaceae) toxins target key insect pests in cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., and maize, Zea mays L., cropping systems. The pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is currently the target of an area-wide eradication program with the purpose to eliminate pink bollworm from cotton-producing areas of the U.S. and adjacent areas of northern Mexico. Transgenic Bt cotton is a key component of the program. Evolution of resistance to Bt cotton could jeopardize the eradication program and diminish success of long-term control of pink bollworm populations. Molecular monitoring for known resistance alleles and bioassays indicated that pink bollworm resistance to Bt cotton in the U.S. remains rare. However, recent discovery of field-evolved resistance to Bt cotton in India emphasizes the need for diligent resistance monitoring and stewardship of the Bt transgenic technology. Resistance to Cry1Ac in laboratory-selected strains of pink bollworm may involve at least two resistance mechanisms, based on characterization of cadherin-based resistant strains and a newly selected Bt4R strain. In all previous resistant strains of pink bollworm, resistance involved mutations in a cadherin gene encoding for a functional Cry1Ac toxin receptor. Selection of the Bt4R strain using Bt cotton bolls and Cry1Ac in diet revealed a novel mechanism of resistance that differs from previously described Cadherin mutations.', 'en_US');
INSERT INTO `bibliography_bibliography_i18n` (`id`, `title`, `abstract`, `locale`) VALUES
(3813, 'Incipient resistance of Helicoverpa punctigera to the Cry2Ab Bt toxin in Bollgard II(R) cotton.', 'Combinations of dissimilar insecticidal proteins (“pyramids”) within transgenic plants are predicted to delay the evolution of pest resistance for significantly longer than crops expressing a single transgene. Field-evolved resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) transgenic crops has been reported for first generation, single-toxin varieties and the Cry1 class of proteins. Our five year data set shows a significant exponential increase in the frequency of alleles conferring Cry2Ab resistance in Australian field populations of Helicoverpa punctigera since the adoption of a second generation, two-toxin Bt cotton expressing this insecticidal protein. Furthermore, the frequency of cry2Ab resistance alleles in populations from cropping areas is 8-fold higher than that found for populations from non-cropping regions. This report of field evolved resistance to a protein in a dual-toxin Bt-crop has precisely fulfilled the intended function of monitoring for resistance; namely, to provide an early warning of increases in frequencies that may lead to potential failures of the transgenic technology. Furthermore, it demonstrates that pyramids are not ‘bullet proof’ and that rapid evolution to Bt toxins in the Cry2 class is possible.', 'en_US'),
(3814, 'Genetically modified salmon and full impact assessment.', 'As the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers approving a genetically modified (GM) Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), it faces fundamental questions of risk analysis and impact assessment. The GM salmon—whose genome contains an inserted growth gene from Pacific chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and a switch-on gene from ocean pout (Zoarces americanus)—would be the first transgenic animal approved for human consumption in the United States. But the mechanism for its approval, FDA\\''s new animal drug application (NADA) process, narrowly examines only the risks of each GM salmon compared with a non-GM salmon. This approach fails to acknowledge that the new product\\''s attributes may affect total production and consumption of salmon. This potentially excludes major human health and environmental impacts, both benefits and risks. Regulators need to consider the full scope of such impacts in risk analyses to avoid unintended consequences, yet FDA does not consider ancillary benefits and risks from salmon market expansion, a result of what may be an overly narrow interpretation of statutes.', 'en_US'),
(3815, 'Camv 35S is a developmental promoter being temporal and spatial in expression pattern of insecticidal genes (Cry1ac and Cry2a) in cotton.', 'Stable integration and spatio -temporal expression of two insecticidal genes (Cry1Ac and Cry2A) in transgenic cotton was studied. Firstly, integration of both genes was confirmed in these advance lines by different molecular analysis. The quantitative levels of both Cry1Ac and Cry2A genes were found variable among these cotton lines and also varied between different plant parts.  These lines showed a stable integration of insecticidal genes in T5 and T6 Progeny. The expression of both genes declined gradually with the age of plant as well as in different plant parts throughout the season. The leaves of Bt Cotton were found to have maximum expression of Cry1Ac and Cry2A genes followed by squares, bolls, anthers and petals. Toxin level in fruiting part was less as compared to other parts showing the in consistency in toxin level inspite of using 35S CaMV promoter which is constitutively expressing promoter. The study conducted suggested that CaMV 35S promoter is a developmental promoter and also it triggered research to find out new possible promoters to make expression of insecticidal genes consistent throughout life of cotton plant.', 'en_US'),
(3816, 'The past, present and future of critical aspects of global ethics and corporate social responsibility in agriculture and food technology industry.', 'The technological advancements in agriculture and food technology industry have created many controversial ethics and social responsibility areas. The aim of this paper is to discuss the past, present and potential future trends in ethics and corporate social responsibility in agriculture and food technology industry. It also seeks to identify the ethics and corporate social responsibility gap generated by the rapid technological advancements in this industry. The factors that need to be taken into account by corporate as a part of its ethics and social responsibility when introducing new technology were discussed in this paper. The discussion revealed that new technologies have generated great ethics and social responsibility. These concerns are in regard to consumers and workers health, environment, economic, over use of natural resources and the impact on future generation life. Based on this discussion it was established that in the current situation and with regard to the advancements in agriculture and food technology, the industry has ethical and social responsibility towards the general consumers. This paper reasons that corporations working in agriculture and food technology are required to actively consider their responsibility and adopt ethical and social responsibility policy. Moreover, this paper has predicted the future trends on light of the past and present technological advancements. Based on the discussion, the paper concluded that there is an ethical and social responsibility gap due to the advancements in agriculture and food technology. Thus, it is the responsibility of corporation to address this gap when evaluating new technology. The evaluation should consider several suitable means such as environmental impact analysis as well as social impact analysis. It was also concluded that the current risk assessment of genetically modified food has its limitation due to the availability of limited long term scientific evidence. In order to align the corporate practice with its ethics and social responsibility a list of recommendations were formulated by the authors. These recommendations included but not limited to: 1. The integration of consumer health impact with other relevant factors such as economical and environmental impacts; 2. Adequate labelling of genetically modified ingredient; 3. Adopting an ethic and social responsibility policy; 4. Implementation of post-marketing surveillance and monitoring strategy to assess the long term effects of genetically modified food on human health, and 5. The implementation of a suitable system to control the release of unauthorized genetically modified crops from research laboratories into the food chains and the environment.', 'en_US'),
(3817, 'Transcriptional gene silencing in plants.', 'The review presents current data on molecular genetic mechanisms of suppression of the gene (transgene) expression in plants at the transcriptional level. The stages of RNA-directed DNA methylation are discussed in detail. Mutations affecting transcriptional gene inactivation without altering nucleotide sequence methylation are described.', 'en_US'),
(3818, 'Abiotic stress and transgenics: implications for reproductive success and crop-to-wild gene flow in Brassicas.', 'Various abiotic and biotic stressors affect crop and weed plant performance in agroecosystems. Ozone (O3) tolerance in plants is partly regulated by the genotype and phenotypical properties, and it varies greatly in related species of wild and crop backgrounds. Thus, a continuous increase in atmospheric O3 concentration could change population dynamics of sexually compatible crop and weed species, and consequently affect crop-to-wild gene flow in the future. One way to build resistance against a biotic stressor, in this case insect-mediated herbivory, in crop plants is transgene-mediated insecticidal toxin production. In this study we aimed to describe how the physiological and phenological responses in a crop Brassica and its weedy relatives functioned to affect their comparative O3 tolerance. Furthermore, we studied how harbouring a transgene affects these responses in B. napus and B. rapa × transgenic B. napus BC2F2 backcross hybrid plants to reveal any within-plant trade-offs among toxin production, growth and O3 tolerance. We found a higher number of O3 symptoms but more effective compensatory assimilate allocation directed to reproduction for wild B. rapa compared to crop B. napus under elevated O3. This result suggested that the invasion-orientated strategy of producing a high number of seeds when vegetative growth is limited might improve the performance of weedy species under elevated O3. The probabilities for crop-to-wild transgene flow could be increased through higher seed production in hybrids under elevated O3, but the germination of hybrid seeds in particular was hampered by O3. The presence of transgenes did not perturb fecundity, within-plant biomass allocation or O3 tolerance of B. napus.', 'en_US'),
(3819, 'Information system for monitoring environmental impacts of genetically modified organisms.', 'Background, aim and scope:  European legislation stipulates that genetically modified organisms (GMO) have to be monitored to identify potential adverse environmental effects. A wealth of different types of monitoring data from various sources including existing environmental monitoring programmes is expected to accumulate. This requires an information system to efficiently structure, process and evaluate the monitoring data.\r\nMethods:  A structure for an Information System for Monitoring GMO (ISMO) was developed by a multidisciplinary research team. It is based on the requirement to organise all relevant information in a logical, readily accessible and functional manner.\r\nResults:  For the ISMO, we present a combination of three interrelated components: Firstly, an ISMO should comprise a knowledge database structured according to information related to the different scale levels of biological organisation relevant to GMO monitoring and scientific hypotheses on cause–effects which should be validated by monitoring data. Secondly, a monitoring database should be part of an ISMO containing GMO-specific monitoring data and meta-data. This monitoring database should be linked with monitoring data from other monitoring programmes which are relevant for GMO-related questions. Thirdly, an ISMO should encompass a database covering administrative and procedural data. Neither national nor international approaches to an ISMO exist yet.\r\nConclusions:  An ISMO as designed in this paper could support competent authorities in both the GMO notification process and in post-market monitoring. This includes evaluating the environmental risks of experimentally releasing GMO and placing them on the market, assessing monitoring plans and evaluating monitoring results. The ISMO should be implemented on both the national and international level, preferably combining different administrative scales. Harmonisation approaches towards GMO monitoring data are at an initial stage, but they are a precondition to coordinated GMO monitoring and to successfully implementing an ISMO. It is recommended to set up a legal basis and to agree on common strategies for the data coordination and harmonisation.', 'en_US'),
(3820, 'The demography of feral alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) populations occurring in roadside habitats in Southern Manitoba, Canada: implications for novel trait confinement.', 'Purpose:  Feral populations of cultivated crops can act as reservoirs for novel genetically engineered (GE) traits and aid in trait movement at the landscape level. However, little information is available on the potential of cultivated crops to become feral. In this study, we investigated the ferality of alfalfa populations (non-GE version) occurring in roadside habitats. Knowledge on the nature of roadside alfalfa populations would be useful for designing efficient trait confinement protocols and coexistence strategies in alfalfa.\r\nMethods:  We investigated roadside alfalfa populations from 2006 to 2009 in three rural municipalities (Hanover, MacDonald, and Springfield) in Southern Manitoba, Canada. We studied the demography of these populations including seedbank, seedling recruitment, and fecundity and examined the impact of road verge mowing on key life stages of these populations. We also compared the growth and reproductive attributes of roadside and cultivated alfalfa populations.\r\nResults:  Alfalfa is reproductively successful in roadside habitats and capable of establishing self-perpetuating populations. A substantial portion of the alfalfa seeds we extracted from seedbank samples were viable but not germinable, suggesting some degree of seedbank persistence in roadside habitats. In the roadside habitat, alfalfa seedlings recruited successfully, however, seedling mortality was high when seedlings were in close proximity to well-established alfalfa plants. Mowing dramatically reduced the reproductive success of roadside alfalfa. Generally, the growth and reproduction of roadside alfalfa was comparable to cultivated alfalfa except for total fecundity.\r\nConclusions:  Considering the long lifespan (&gt;10 years) of alfalfa and the levels of fecundity, seedbank, and seedling survival we observed, long-term persistence of roadside alfalfa populations seems reasonable. In the context of novel trait confinement, our results suggest that feral alfalfa populations required to be managed if there is a desire/need to confine novel traits in alfalfa.', 'en_US'),
(3821, 'Landscape-scale distribution and persistence of genetically modified oilseed rape (Brassica napus) in Manitoba, Canada.', 'Background, aim and scope:  Genetically modified herbicide-tolerant (GMHT) oilseed rape (OSR; Brassica napus L.) was approved for commercial cultivation in Canada in 1995 and currently represents over 95% of the OSR grown in western Canada. After a decade of widespread cultivation, GMHT volunteers represent an increasing management problem in cultivated fields and are ubiquitous in adjacent ruderal habitats, where they contribute to the spread of transgenes. However, few studies have considered escaped GMHT OSR populations in North America, and even fewer have been conducted at large spatial scales (i.e. landscape scales). In particular, the contribution of landscape structure and large-scale anthropogenic dispersal processes to the persistence and spread of escaped GMHT OSR remains poorly understood. We conducted a multi-year survey of the landscape-scale distribution of escaped OSR plants adjacent to roads and cultivated fields. Our objective was to examine the long-term dynamics of escaped OSR at large spatial scales and to assess the relative importance of landscape and localised factors to the persistence and spread of these plants outside of cultivation.\r\nMaterials and methods:  From 2005 to 2007, we surveyed escaped OSR plants along roadsides and field edges at 12 locations in three agricultural landscapes in southern Manitoba where GMHT OSR is widely grown. Data were analysed to examine temporal changes at large spatial scales and to determine factors affecting the distribution of escaped OSR plants in roadside and field edge habitats within agricultural landscapes. Additionally, we assessed the potential for seed dispersal between escaped populations by comparing the relative spatial distribution of roadside and field edge OSR.\r\nResults:  Densities of escaped OSR fluctuated over space and time in both roadside and field edge habitats, though the proportion of GMHT plants was high (93–100%). Escaped OSR was positively affected by agricultural landscape (indicative of cropping intensity) and by the presence of an adjacent field planted to OSR. Within roadside habitats, escaped OSR was also strongly associated with large-scale variables, including road surface (indicative of traffic intensity) and distance to the nearest grain elevator. Conversely, within field edges, OSR density was affected by localised crop management practices such as mowing, soil disturbance and herbicide application. Despite the proximity of roadsides and field edges, there was little evidence of spatial aggregation among escaped OSR populations in these two habitats, especially at very fine spatial scales (i.e. &lt;100 m), suggesting that natural propagule exchange is infrequent.\r\nDiscussion:  Escaped OSR populations were persistent at large spatial and temporal scales, and low density in a given landscape or year was not indicative of overall extinction. As a result of ongoing cultivation and transport of OSR crops, escaped GMHT traits will likely remain predominant in agricultural landscapes. While escaped OSR in field edge habitats generally results from local seeding and management activities occurring at the field-scale, distribution patterns within roadside habitats are determined in large part by seed transport occurring at the landscape scale and at even larger regional scales. Our findings suggest that these large-scale anthropogenic dispersal processes are sufficient to enable persistence despite limited natural seed dispersal. This widespread dispersal is likely to undermine field-scale management practices aimed at eliminating escaped and in-field GMHT OSR populations.\r\nConclusions:  Agricultural transport and landscape-scale cropping patterns are important determinants of the distribution of escaped GM crops. At the regional level, these factors ensure ongoing establishment and spread of escaped GMHT OSR despite limited local seed dispersal. Escaped populations thus play an important role in the spread of transgenes and have substantial implications for the coexistence of GM and non-GM production systems.\r\nRecommendations and perspectives:  Given the large-scale factors driving the spread of escaped transgenes, localised co-existence measures may be impracticable where they are not commensurate with regional dispersal mechanisms. To be effective, strategies aimed at reducing contamination from GM crops should be multi-scale in approach and be developed and implemented at both farm and landscape levels of organisation. Multiple stakeholders should thus be consulted, including both GM and non-GM farmers, as well as seed developers, processors, transporters and suppliers. Decisions to adopt GM crops require thoughtful and inclusive consideration of the risks and responsibilities inherent in this new technology.', 'en_US'),
(3822, 'Fitness aspects of transgenic Aedes fluviatilis mosquitoes expressing a Plasmodium-blocking molecule.', 'Vector-born diseases cause millions of deaths every year globally. Alternatives for the control of diseases such as malaria and dengue fever are urgently needed and the use of transgenic mosquitoes that block parasite/virus is a sound strategy to be used within control programs. However, prior to use transgenic mosquitoes as control tools, it is important to study their fitness since different biological aspects might influence their ability to disseminate and compete with wild populations. We previously reported the construction of four transgenic Aedes fluviatilis mosquito lines expressing a Plasmodium- blocking molecule (mutated bee venom phospholipase A2–mPLA2). Presently we studied two aspects of their fitness: body size, that has been used as a fitness-related status, and the expression of major enzymes classes involved in the metabolism of xenobiotics, including insecticides. Body size analysis (recorded by geometric wing morphometrics) indicated that both male and female mosquitoes were larger than the non-transgenic counterparts, suggesting that this characteristic might have an impact on their overall fitness. By contrast, no significant difference in the activity of enzymes related to metabolic insecticide resistance was detected in transgenic mosquitoes. The implication on fitness advantage of these features, towards the implementation of this strategy, is further discussed.', 'en_US'),
(3823, 'Histopathology and ultrastructure of midgut of Alabama argillacea (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) fed Bt-cotton.', 'The interaction of Cry toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis in the midgut of some insect larvae determines their efficacies as insecticides, due to the expression and availability of sites of action of the toxin in the midgut. Researches point out cases of resistance to Cry toxin due to alterations in the binding sites in columnar cell membrane. We analyzed the effects of Cry1Ac toxin expressed by Bt-cotton plants on Alabama argillacea midgut morphophysiology clarifying in levels of morphological and ultrastructural. Larvae in the 4th instar of A. argillacea after 20 min from ingesting Bt-cotton leaves expressing 0.183 ng of Cry1Ac exhibited ultrastructural and morphological modifications in the columnar cells with significant changes in the mitochondrial polymorphism, cytoplasmic vacuolization, microvillus and basal labyrinth. Expressive morphological alterations were also observed in the goblet cells indicating that the columnar cells are not the only target of the Cry1Ac toxin. The regenerative cells did not modify their structures and exhibited decrease in regeneration capacity. In conclusion, the ingestion of 0.183 ± 0.077 ng of Cry1Ac was enough to promote alterations in the columnar and goblet cells, besides reducing significantly the number of regenerative cells, which may have contributed to larval death. Nevertheless, further studies are necessary to determine the true cause of death.', 'en_US'),
(3824, 'Growth and fitness components of wild x cultivated Sorghum bicolor (Poaceae) hybrids in Nebraska.', 'Premise of the study: Gene flow from crops to wild relatives has received considerable attention since the advent of genetically modified crops. Numerous researchers have found wild–crop hybrids to be nearly as fit as their wild parents, which suggests that crop genes may persist in wild populations. Components of the ecological fitness of cultivated sorghum, its wild relative, shattercane, and their hybrids have not been studied.\r\nMethods: To assess the potential for gene introgression into shattercane, we crossed cultivated sorghum to a single inbred shattercane line to produce F1 hybrids and measured growth and several components of ecological fitness in relation to both parents in Nebraska, USA.\r\nKey results: Germination of F1 seeds was similar to that of its shattercane parent except at high temperatures, where it was as sensitive as the sorghum parent. The F1 grew taller and produced more biomass than either parent, but the F1 leaf area index was intermediate. Fecundity of the F1 plant was similar to that of shattercane and much greater than that of cultivated sorghum.\r\nConclusions: Considering all data, the ecological fitness of shattercane x cultivated sorghum F1 hybrids may be equivalent to the wild shattercane parent, which suggests that crop genes that are either neutral or beneficial to shattercane would persist in populations within agroecosystems.', 'en_US'),
(3825, 'Complex patterns of hybridization between exotic and native North American poplar species.', 'Premise of the study: Poplars and their hybrids are seen as important candidates for bioenergy initiatives. However, many concerns have been raised about large-scale plantations of new poplar cultivars. The deployment of such plants with novel traits brings the risk of potential spread of novel genome regions (including exotic genes, transgenes, or other heritable modifications) into natural populations of related species. The possibility of introgression is especially high in poplars because reproductive barriers between species are weak. Knowledge of the frequency of hybridization between cultivated trees and natural populations is one important step in the risk-assessment process.\r\nMethods: We studied the rate of spontaneous hybridization from two sexually mature poplar plantations into adjacent natural populations of Populus deltoides and P. balsamifera. The two plantations, both in eastern Canada, contain many different complex hybrid clones with components from exotic species, mostly P. nigra, P. trichocarpa, and P. maximowiczii. We analyzed 12 species-specific single nucleotide polymorphisms from six different genes in 5373 offspring sampled from the natural populations.\r\nResults: Contributions from all three exotics were found in the offspring, confirming low reproductive barriers among poplar species in these sections. The frequency of hybrid offspring varied among pollen donors, recipient populations, and years.\r\nConclusions: The remarkably high rate of hybridization that was found in the smallest natural population sampled suggests that small peripheral populations carry a higher risk of introgression. These results could be used as a starting point for developing regulatory guidelines for the introduction of plants with novel traits.', 'en_US'),
(3826, 'Increased mortality of growth-enhanced transgenic common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) under short-term predation risk.', 'There is strong evidence that genetic capacity for growth evolves toward an optimum rather than an absolute maximum. This implies that fast growth has a cost and that trade-offs occur between growth and other life-history traits. In this study, we conducted a series of predation trials with a paired-contrast design to test the differences in anti-predator ability between growth-enhanced transgenic and non-transgenic common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). We showed that young transgenic fish suffered higher predation mortality than control carp in both small-bodied and large-bodied size-matched trials, and thus possessed lower anti-predator ability. Our results suggest that a trade-off exists between growth rate and survival such that rapid growth entails a cost in terms of mortality.', 'en_US'),
(3827, 'Pollen interception by linyphiid spiders in a corn agroecosystem: implications for dietary diversification and risk-assessment.', 'Dietary diversification, including consumption of plant tissues such as pollen, can enhance the fecundity of generalist predators, resulting in improved control of pest prey. Supplemental pollen feeding has been observed in many natural enemies, including sheet-web spiders (Araneae: Linyphiidae), which represent a major component of food webs in agroecosystems. Their horizontal, ground-based webs have the potential to intercept pollen grains during anthesis of crop plants, providing the opportunity for consumption of pollen to occur. In laboratory feeding trials, Frontinella communis and Tennesseellum formicum (Araneae: Linyphiidae) readily fed on pollen grains dusted on their webs, with 82 and 92% of spiders consuming pollen within the 210 min trial. These results revealed a strong potential for dietary supplementation with pollen in ground-based sheet-web spiders, indicating that pollen feeding may be an important component of the feeding biology of linyphiids. To measure pollen and prey interception in simulated linyphiid webs, a 20 m × 20 m grid of miniature sticky traps was established within and downwind of a corn agroecosystem. Traps were exposed for 24 h, all intercepted material was transferred to the laboratory for subsequent identification, and replaced with additional traps for 28 consecutive days in July and August 2008, to encompass periods before, during and after anthesis. Over 150,000 corn pollen grains and 5,000 prey items (dominated by Collembola and Hemiptera) were intercepted at simulated web-sites. Dates of peak anthesis resulted in pollen counts as high as 4,000 grains per web-site in the interior of the cornfield. Spatial Analysis by Distance Indices (SADIE) indicated significant temporal and spatial variability in pollen interception within and outside the corn field, but interestingly there was no significant spatial association between pollen and prey. Furthermore, transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis corn expresses insecticidal proteins in pollen, posing an exposure risk to non-target arthropods. Consumption of corn pollen may be a route to transgenic protein exposure in this important taxon of generalist predators.', 'en_US'),
(3828, 'Can -omics inform a food safety assessment?', 'Omic technologies can in principle allow visualization of the all of changes that take place when the genetics, nutrition or environment of an organism is altered. Targeted compositional analysis is today a key component of the food safety assessment paradigm in which known nutrients, anti-nutrients, toxicants, allergens, and other molecules of potential biological importance to humans or animals are quantitatively analyzed. This allows safety assessors to compare the composition and safety of one food with closely related counterparts. Omic technologies measure many analytes—some of which are unidentified—but the analysis often sacrifices one or more of the characteristics of validated analytical methods currently used for food analysis. Databases that would allow the safety assessor to interpret differences are not currently available. There is also no reason to believe that the targeted compositional analysis in use today does not provide the evidence needed to ensure food safety, nor is there any current reason to believe that omics can add value to the safety assessment process. The regulation of transgenic crops is far more rigorous than is justified since they present no new risks compared with traditional breeding, and are more precisely defined and better understood than their non-transgenic equivalent.', 'en_US'),
(3829, 'Gene expression profiling for food safety assessment: examples in potato and maize.', 'Since the mid 1990s, microarray analysis has become one of the few tools that can analyze the entire contents of a cell regarding a specific information type. Especially since the development of whole genome microarrays the technique can be considered truly holistic. Most DNA based microarrays are used for the analysis of the total of messenger RNAs (transcriptome) and provide a snap-shot of what’s going on in a cell population at the time of sampling. Within the last few years also full genome plant microarrays have become available for several crop species. With these it has been shown that several growing conditions can be separated based on their transcriptome pattern, such as location, year of harvest and agricultural input system, but also different cultivars of the same crop species, including genetically modified ones. A database comprising expression levels of the transcriptome in many different circumstances with a history of safe use would be a good comparator for evaluation of new agricultural practices or cultivars, genetically modified or otherwise obtained. New techniques as next generation sequencing may overcome issues on throughput time and cost, standard operation procedures and array design for individual crops.', 'en_US'),
(3830, 'Plant natural variability may affect safety assessment data.', 'Before market introduction, genetic engineered (GE) food products, like any other novel food product, are subjected to extensive assessment of their potential effects on human health. In recent years, a number of profiling technologies have been explored aiming to increase the probability of detecting any unpredictable unintended effect and, consequently improving the efficiency of GE food safety assessment. These techniques still present limitations associated with the interpretation of the observed differences with respect to their biological relevance and toxicological significance. In order to address this issue, in this study, we have performed 2D-gel electrophoresis of five different ears of five different MON810 maize plants and of other five of the non-transgenic near-isogenic line. We have also performed 2D-gel electrophoresis of the pool of the five protein extractions of MON810 and control lines. We have notice that, in this example, the exclusive use of data from 2D-electrophoresed pooled samples, to compare these two lines, would be insufficient for an adequate safety evaluation. We conclude that, when using “omics” technologies, it is extremely important to eliminate all potential differences due to factors not related to the ones under study, and to understand the role of natural plant-to-plant variability in the encountered differences.', 'en_US'),
(3831, 'Natural variability in abundance of prevalent soybean proteins.', 'Soybean is an inexpensive source of protein for humans and animals. Genetic modifications (GMO) to soybean have become inevitable on two fronts, both quality and yield will need to improve to meet increasing global demand. To ensure the safety of the crop for consumers it is important to determine the natural variation in seed protein constituents as well as any unintended changes that may occur in the GMO as a result of genetic modification. Understanding the natural variation of seed proteins in wild and cultivated soybeans that have been used in conventional soybean breeding programs is critical for determining unintended protein expression in GMO soybeans. In recent years, proteomic technologies have been used as an effective analytical tool for examining modifications of protein profiles. We have standardized and applied these technologies to determine and quantify the spectrum of proteins present in soybean seed. We used two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE), matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS), and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC–MS) for the separation, quantification, and identification of different classes of soybean seed proteins. We have observed significant variations in different classes of proteins, including storage, allergen and anti-nutritional protein profiles, between non-GMO cultivated and wild soybean varieties. This information is useful for scientists and regulatory agencies to determine whether the unintended expression of proteins found in transgenic soybean is within the range of natural variation.', 'en_US'),
(3832, 'Quantification of toxins in a Cry1Ac+CpTI cotton cultivar and its potential effects on the honey bee Apis mellifera L.', 'Transgenic Cry1Ac + CpTI cotton (CCRI41) is increasingly planted throughout China. However, negative effects of this cultivar on the honey bee Apis mellifera L., the most important pollinator for cultivated ecosystem, remained poorly investigated. The objective of our study was to evaluate the potential side effects of transgenic Cry1Ac + CpTI pollen from cotton on young adult honey bees A. mellifera L. Two points emphasized the significance of our study: (1) A higher expression level of insecticidal protein Cry1Ac in pollen tissues was detected (when compared with previous reports). In particular, Cry1Ac protein was detected at 300 ± 4.52 ng g&amp;#8722;1 [part per billion (ppb)] in pollen collected in July, (2) Effects on chronic mortality and feeding behaviour in honey bees were evaluated using a no-choice dietary feeding protocol with treated pollen, which guarantee the highest exposure level to bees potentially occurring in natural conditions (worst case scenario). Tests were also conducted using imidacloprid-treated pollen at a concentration of 48 ppb as positive control for sublethal effect on feeding behaviour. Our results suggested that Cry1Ac + CpTI pollen carried no lethal risk for honey bees. However, during a 7-day oral exposure to the various treatments (transgenic, imidacloprid-treated and control), honey bee feeding behaviour was disturbed and bees consumed significantly less CCRI41 cotton pollen than in the control group in which bees were exposed to conventional cotton pollen. It may indicate an antifeedant effect of CCRI41 pollen on honey bees and thus bees may be at risk because of large areas are planted with transgenic Bt cotton in China. This is the first report suggesting a potential sublethal effect of CCRI41 cotton pollen on honey bees. The implications of the results are discussed in terms of risk assessment for bees as well as for directions of future work involving risk assessment of CCRI41 cotton.', 'en_US'),
(3833, 'Use of an innovative T-tube maze assay and the proboscis extension response assay to assess sublethal effects of GM products and pesticides on learning capacity of the honey bee Apis mellifera L.', 'Transgenic Cry1Ac+CpTI cotton (CCRI41) is a promising cotton cultivar throughout China but side effects and especially sublethal effects of this transgenic cultivar on beneficial insects remain poorly studied. More specifically potential sublethal effects on behavioural traits of the honey bee Apis mellifera L. have not been formally assessed despite the importance of honey bees for pollination. The goal of our study was to assess potential effects of CCRI41 cotton pollen on visual and olfactory learning by honey bees. After a 7-day oral chronic exposure to honey mixed with either CCRI41 pollen, imidacloprid-treated conventional pollen (used as positive sublethal control) or conventional pollen (control), learning performance was evaluated by the classical proboscis extension reflex (PER) procedure as well as a T-tube maze test. The latter assay was designed as a new device to assess potential side effects of pesticides on visual associative learning of honey bees. These two procedures were complementary because the former focused on olfactory learning while the latter was involved in visual learning based on visual orientation ability. Oral exposure to CCRI41 pollen did not affect learning capacities of honey bees in both the T-tube maze and PER tests. However, exposure to imidacloprid resulted in reduced visual learning capacities in T-tube maze evaluation and decreased olfactory learning performances measured with PER. The implications of these results are discussed in terms of risks of transgenic CCRI41 cotton crops for honey bees.', 'en_US'),
(3834, 'Recombinant protease inhibitors for herbivore pest control: a multitrophic perspective.', 'Protease inhibitors are a promising complement to Bt toxins for the development of insect-resistant transgenic crops, but their limited specificity against proteolytic enzymes and the ubiquity of protease-dependent processes in living organisms raise questions about their eventual non-target effects in agroecosystems. After a brief overview of the main factors driving the impacts of insect-resistant transgenic crops on non-target organisms, the possible effects of protease inhibitors are discussed from a multitrophic perspective, taking into account not only the target herbivore proteases but also the proteases of other organisms found along the trophic chain, including the plant itself. Major progress has been achieved in recent years towards the design of highly potent broad-spectrum inhibitors and the field deployment of protease inhibitor-expressing transgenic plants resistant to major herbivore pests. A thorough assessment of the current literature suggests that, whereas the non-specific inhibitory effects of recombinant protease inhibitors in plant food webs could often be negligible and their ‘unintended’ pleiotropic effects in planta of potential agronomic value, the innocuity of these proteins might always remain an issue to be assessed empirically, on a case-by-case basis.', 'en_US'),
(3835, 'Coexistence costs for genetically modified crops for Switzerland.', 'The ban on the commercial cultivation of genetically modified (GM) wheat and maize in Switzerland is expected to remain in force until 2013. Coexistence regulations in Switzerland and their resulting impacts on profitability will then require examination. In this paper we present time and cost calculations for what we consider to be the most critical of these coexistence measures. Coexistence measures and their associated costs, based upon the present structure of Swiss Agriculture, are calculated according to varying degrees of restriction and or technical feasibility. We find that, in spite of the small-scale Swiss farm structure, the costs for the coexistence measures are minimal at the farm level. The total costs of implementing coexistence measures per hectare of GM crop plantings range from CHF 58 to CHF 160, this corresponds to roughly 1-3% of total product costs, and are negligible.', 'en_US'),
(3836, 'Soil microbial community responses to Bt transgenic rice residue decomposition in a paddy field.', 'Purpose:  Genetic modifications (GM) of commercial crops offer many benefits. However, microbial-mediated decomposition might be affected by GM crop residues in agricultural ecosystems. The objective of this study was to assess the possible impacts of cry1Ab gene transformation of rice on soil microbial community composition associated with residue decomposition in the paddy field under intensive rice cultivation.\r\nMaterials and methods:  A 276-day field trial was set up as a completely randomized design for two types of rice residues, KMD (Bt) and Xiushui 11 (non-Bt parental variety) in triplicate by conventional intensive rice cropping system. The litterbag method was used in the rice residue decomposition and a total of 120 straw and root litterbags were either placed on the soil surface or buried at 10 cm depth in the field on Dec. 24, 2005. The litterbags were sampled periodically and their soil bacterial and fungal communities were determined by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP). The additive main effects with multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model were performed for the analysis of T-RFLP on binary variables of peak presence (presence/absence). The analysis of variance and linear regressions were performed for analysis of AMMI data.\r\nResults and discussion:  Total AMMI model analysis revealed that microbial community composition in the litterbags was affected by temporal and spatial factors. Compared with the non-Bt rice residue treatment, Bt rice straw had no significant effects on the soil bacterial and fungal community composition during the study period, regardless of the litterbags being placed on the surface or buried in the soil. There were no significant differences in the bacterial community composition profiles in root decomposition between Bt transgenic and non-Bt varieties. However, significant differences in soil fungal community composition between the buried Bt and non-Bt rice roots were observed in soils sampled on days 31, 68, and 137, indicating that Bt roots incorporated into paddy soil may affect soil fungal community during the initial stage of their decomposition.\r\nConclusions:  There were some significant differences in fungal community composition between Bt rice root and non-Bt root treatments at the early stage of root decomposition in the paddy field. It is important that, before Bt rice is released for commercial production, more research should be conducted to evaluate the ecological effects of the Bt rice residues returned to paddy field upon grain harvesting.', 'en_US'),
(3837, 'Application of an atmospheric gene flow model for assessing environmental risks from transgenic corn crops.', 'Gene flow data from experiments under limited environmental conditions (e.g. wind speed and direction, atmospheric stability) have only provided limited information for gene flow risk management.  It is necessary to apply models to predict the gene flow under a complete set of possible environmental conditions to inform farmers, seed companies, government agencies, and researchers about the risks and potential prevention and precaution methods.  In this paper, the previous validated gene flow model developed by the authors was used to predict gene flow from genetically modified (GM) corn crops.  The model was used to simulate potential gene flow from GM corn sources of different sizes from one plant area of 0.1 m2 to an area 3.1×106 m2 under normal weather conditions.  In addition, the model was also used to predict the potential gene flow for different source strengths, atmospheric conditions, buffer heights, buffer field sizes, and pollen settling speeds from 10,000 m2 sources.  The model simulations have provided gene flow information for risk management under the above conditions and have shown that the source sizes, source strengths, buffer heights, buffer sizes, atmospheric conditions, and pollen settling speeds had important effects on gene flow.  While the atmospheric conditions and pollen settling speeds cannot be controlled, choosing appropriate buffer heights and sizes will effectively prevent gene flow.  The lost seed control is crucial to limit gene flow because even a GM corn plant can result in a grand total deposition flux of 646,272 grains/m2, an outcrossing ratio of 0.016, and outcrossed seed of 110 kernels/m2 at 0.8 m from the plant in the non-target field under normal atmospheric conditions.', 'en_US'),
(3838, 'Susceptibility of Cry1Ab-susceptible and -resistant sugarcane borer to transgenic corn plants containing single or pyramided Bacillus thuringiensis genes.', 'Multiple independent trials were conducted to evaluate the performance of Cry1Ab-susceptible (Cry1Ab-SS), -heterozygous (Cry1Ab-RS), and -resistant (Cry1Ab-RR) genotypes of the sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis (F.), on eight commercial hybrids and six experimental corn lines. The commercial varieties included two non-Bt and six Bt corn hybrids that expressed a single Bt protein (either Cry1Ab or Cry1F) targeting above-ground lepidopteran pests. The six experimental lines consisted of two non-Bt and four Bt corn lines, two expressing just the Cry1Ab protein and two containing the pyramided-genes Cry1A.105 and Cry2Ab2 (event MON 89034). Larval mortality on non-Bt corn leaf tissue ranged from 6 to 45% after 12 d across insect genotypes. The 12 d mortality of Cry1Ab-SS on leaf tissue of commercial Cry1Ab or Cry1F corn was 96–100%, whereas it was 80–96% for Cry1Ab-RS and 68–78% for Cry1Ab-RR. On intact plants, 39–64% of larvae survived on non-Bt corn plants after 21–25 d. Larval survivorship on intact plants of commercial Cry1Ab or Cry1F corn was 0–8.1% for Cry1Ab-SS, 1.3–34% for Cry1Ab-RS, and 19–51% for Cry1Ab-RR. Larvae of Cry1Ab-RR and -RS also caused significant plant injury to most of the commercial Bt corn hybrids, especially to the Cry1Ab corn. Cry1Ab resistance in D. saccharalis was incompletely dominant on commercial Bt corn hybrids. However, both experimental lines with pyramided genes of Cry1A.105 and Cry2Ab2 provided complete control of all three insect genotypes in both leaf tissue and intact plant tests. Results of this study suggest that MON 89034 should offer a means for Bt resistance management in D. saccharalis.', 'en_US'),
(3839, 'Lower mycotoxin levels in Bt maize grain.', 'Mycotoxins produced by Fusarium spp. during plant cultivation induce severe diseases in animal and humans. In 2007 a European Union regulation set maximum concentrations of mycotoxins in maize and derivatives of 4000 ppb for fumonisins B1 and B2, 1750 ppb for deoxynivalenol, and 350 ppb for zearalenone. To assess the safety of French maize food, investigations are currently being carried out by the national Biological Risk Monitoring network. Here, 84 plots were cropped with the Bt maize MON 810 and its isogenic non-Bt counterpart in 2005 and 2006 in Southwestern France. Mycotoxin levels were measured in grain at harvest. Fumonisins B1 and B2, deoxynivalenol, and zearalenone were analysed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The data were analysed statistically using non-parametric tests for mycotoxins and analysis of variance for weather variables. As the climate was homogenous inside the experimental area, the transgenic event introduced into the maize was the only key parameter which differed between Bt and non-Bt maize plots. Our results show that Bt maize decreased concentrations of fumonisins by 90% and zearalenone by 50%, whereas the concentration of deoxynivalenol was slightly increased. Those findings suggest a competition among Fusarium species that produce fumonisins or trichothecenes. According to the European regulation, 93% of the Bt maize crops can be sold, compared with only 45% for non-Bt maize plots. Our results thus show that Bt maize improved food safety by greatly reducing mycotoxin levels in field crops in Southwestern France.', 'en_US');
INSERT INTO `bibliography_bibliography_i18n` (`id`, `title`, `abstract`, `locale`) VALUES
(3840, 'Performance of hybrids between transgenic oilseed rape (Brassica napus) and wild Brassica juncea: an evaluation of potential for transgene escape.', 'Understanding the potential for the evolution of herbicide tolerance in weeds following gene flow from transgenic crops is important for their management. The inter-specific hybrids formed between four Brassica juncea populations with different glyphosate-susceptibility and transgenic oilseed rape was studied, emphasizing on the possible population difference. Compared with both parents, the fitness-related components and photosynthetic capacity of hybrids decreased dramatically, but significant differences were observed among different hybrids. All F1 hybrids exhibited highly enhanced but similar herbicide tolerance level regardless of the wild B. juncea parent, indicating that genetically engineered herbicide tolerance may over-dominate phenotype ones by wild-crop hybridization. The analysis of parental loci transmission revealed a higher transfer ratio of male-specific loci detected in F1 hybrids, suggesting that oilseed rape genetic markers can be transferred at relatively high frequencies to the next generation. Therefore, higher transfer ratio of oilseed rape-specific loci, coupled with variation of populations in fitness-related parameters in F1 hybrids, could complicate environmental risk assessment of transgenic oilseed rape, especially in current agroecosystems with increasing application of glyphosate.', 'en_US'),
(3841, 'Evaluation of biotechnology-derived novel proteins for the risk of food-allergic potential: advances in the development of animal models and future challenges.', 'Increasing concern from the public about the safety of genetically modified food has made critical to have suitable methods for recognizing associated potential hazards. Hierarchical approaches to allergenicity determination were proposed, and these include evaluation of the structural and sequence homology and serological identity of novel proteins with existing allergens, measuring the resistance to proteolytic digestion and assessment of sensitizing potential using animal models. Allergic individuals have a predisposed (i.e. atopic) genetic background, and a close resemblance to this setup is therefore desirable in animal models, which is possible by using a strain of an animal species that is prone for allergic disorders. So far, none of the animal model has been validated for the purpose of hazard identification in the context of safety assessment. However, the available knowledge suggests that the judicious use of an appropriate animal model could provide important information about the allergic potential of novel proteins. This paper provides an up-to-date review of the progress made in the field of development of in vivo models in this direction and the further goals that have to be achieved.', 'en_US'),
(3842, 'Adsorption of transgenic insecticidal Cry1Ab protein to SiO2. 1. Forces driving adsorption.', 'Genetically modified Bt crops express insecticidal Cry proteins (Bt toxins) that may enter agricultural soils. A mechanistic understanding of Cry protein adsorption to soils is critical for risk assessment, as this process governs Cry protein fate and bioavailability. We used quartz crystal microbalance and optical waveguide lightmode spectroscopy to elucidate the driving forces of the adsorption of monomeric Cry1Ab to negatively charged quartz (SiO2) and positively charged poly-L-lysine (PLL) at pH 5&#8722;8 and constant ionic strength of 50 mM (NaCl). Bovine serum albumin and hen egg white lysozyme were used as reference proteins because of their known adsorption behavior. Electrostatics governed Cry1Ab adsorption; as pH increased above the isoelectric point of Cry1Ab, the initial rate and the extent of adsorption decreased on SiO2 and increased on PLL. Reversible adsorption to SiO2 suggested weak Cry1Ab-SiO2 electrostatic interactions and no irreversible conformational changes of Cry1Ab at the surface. High conformational stability of Cry1Ab was further supported by supply rate-independent extent of adsorption of Cry1Ab to apolar gold. Some evidence is presented that the nonuniform surface charge distribution of Cry1Ab resulted in patch-controlled electrostatic attraction with sorbents that carried the same net charge as Cry1Ab. A more detailed discussion of this mechanism is given in a companion paper.', 'en_US'),
(3843, 'Safety assessment of Cry1C protein from genetically modified rice according to the national standards of PR China for a new food resource.', 'The Cry1C protein produced in Escherichia coli was used for in vitro evaluation and animal studies to support the safety assessment of GM food or feed products containing the Cry1C protein. The Cry1C protein does not have any sequence homology with known allergens or toxins. Although the Cry1C protein was heat stable it was rapidly degraded in vitro with simulated gastric or intestinal fluids. It did not cause adverse effects in mice as administered by gavage at a high level dosage of 5 g (Cry1C protein)/kg body weight. The mutagenicity of this protein was evaluated according to the national standards of People’s Republic of China (PR China) for a new food resource. In mutagenic tests, the Cry1C protein caused <4 micronucleated cells per 1000 cells, <16 sperm abnormalities per 1000 cells and was not associated with any increased mutations in the Ames test. Taken together, these data indicate that the Cry1C protein is not a potential allergen or toxin.', 'en_US'),
(3844, 'Pollen- and seed-mediated transgene flow in commercial cotton seed production fields.', 'Background: Characterizing the spatial patterns of gene flow from transgenic crops is challenging, making it difficult to design containment strategies for markets that regulate the adventitious presence of transgenes. Insecticidal Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton is planted on millions of hectares annually and is a potential source of transgene flow.\r\nMethodology/Principal Findings: Here we monitored 15 non-Bt cotton (Gossypium hirsutum, L.) seed production fields (some transgenic for herbicide resistance, some not) for gene flow of the Bt cotton cry1Ac transgene. We investigated seed-mediated gene flow, which yields adventitious Bt cotton plants, and pollen-mediated gene flow, which generates outcrossed seeds. A spatially-explicit statistical analysis was used to quantify the effects of nearby Bt and non-Bt cotton fields at various spatial scales, along with the effects of pollinator abundance and adventitious Bt plants in fields, on pollen-mediated gene flow. Adventitious Bt cotton plants, resulting from seed bags and planting error, comprised over 15% of plants sampled from the edges of three seed production fields. In contrast, pollen-mediated gene flow affected less than 1% of the seed sampled from field edges. Variation in outcrossing was better explained by the area of Bt cotton fields within 750 m of the seed production fields than by the area of Bt cotton within larger or smaller spatial scales. Variation in outcrossing was also positively associated with the abundance of honey bees.\r\nConclusions/Significance: A comparison of statistical methods showed that our spatially-explicit analysis was more powerful for understanding the effects of surrounding fields than customary models based on distance. Given the low rates of pollen-mediated gene flow observed in this study, we conclude that careful planting and screening of seeds could be more important than field spacing for limiting gene flow.', 'en_US'),
(3845, 'Glyphosate drift promotes changes in fitness and transgene gene flow in canola (Brassica napus) and hybrids.', 'Background and Aims: With the advent of transgenic crops, genetically modified, herbicide-resistant Brassica napus has become a model system for examining the risks and potential ecological consequences of escape of transgenes from cultivation into wild compatible species. Escaped transgenic feral B. napus and hybrids with compatible weedy species have been identified outside of agriculture and without the apparent selection for herbicide resistance. However, herbicide (glyphosate) exposure can extend beyond crop field boundaries, and a drift-level of herbicide could function as a selective agent contributing to increased persistence of transgenes in the environment.\r\nMethods: The effects of a drift level (0•1 × the field application rate) of glyphosate herbicide and varied levels of plant competition were examined on plant fitness-associated traits and gene flow in a simulated field plot, common garden experiment. Plants included transgenic, glyphosate-resistant B. napus, its weedy ancestor B. rapa, and hybrid and advanced generations derived from them.\r\nKey Results: The results of this experiment demonstrate reductions in reproductive fitness for non-transgenic genotypes and a contrasting increase in plant fitness for transgenic genotypes as a result of glyphosate-drift treatments. Results also suggest that a drift level of glyphosate spray may influence the movement of transgenes among transgenic crops and weeds and alter the processes of hybridization and introgression in non-agronomic habitats by impacting flowering phenology and pollen availability within the community.\r\nConclusions: The results of this study demonstrate the potential for persistence of glyphosate resistance transgenes in weedy plant communities due to the effect of glyphosate spray drift on plant fitness. Additionally, glyphosate drift has the potential to change the gene-flow dynamics between compatible transgenic crops and weeds, simultaneously reducing direct introgression into weedy species while contributing to an increase in the transgenic seed bank.', 'en_US'),
(3846, 'Influences of feeding artificial diet containing different concentrations of Cry1 Ac toxin by early-instar larvae of Spodoptera exigua (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on its larval development and adult reproduction.', 'To obtain a full-scale assessment of the influences of transgenic Bt crops on the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner), larval development and adult reproduction of the S. exigua were examined when early-instar larvae fed on artificial diet containing different concentrations of Cry1Ac toxin for six days and then transferred to non-Cry1Ac toxic diet. The results showed that the corrected mortality of S. exigua significantly increased with increasing of concentration of Cry1Ac toxin and prolonging of feeding time when early-instar larvae fed on artificial diet containing Cry1Ac toxin for six days. As compared to the control fed on non&amp;#57361;Cry1Ac toxic diet, larval body weight was significantly decreased when early-instar larvae fed on the artificial diet containing Cry1Ac toxin. Larval duration, pre-pupal duration, male and female pupal duration were all significantly delayed, but male and female pupal body weight were not significantly different from those of control. Percentage of pupation was significantly declined, but the emergence rates were not significantly different from those of control. Pre-oviposition period of adult was significantly delayed, but oviposition period was not significantly different from that of control except that adults with early-instar larvae fed on the 5 &amp;#956;g/g Cry1Ac toxin diet had a significantly longer oviposition period (1.3 d longer). The highest number of eggs laid per female was observed when the early-instar larvae fed on the artificial diet containing 10 &amp;#956;g/g Cry1Ac toxin, but all the Cry1Ac toxin diet treatments had no significant difference compared with the control. Female longevity was all significantly prolonged, but not male except the treatment of the highest concentration (80 &amp;#956;g/g) of Cry1Ac toxin diet which resulted in a significantly longer longevity (2.4 d longer). These results indicated that the artificial diet containing different concentrations of Cry1Ac toxin have significant inhibition on the growth and development of S. exigua or directly resulted in death in larval stage, but when larvae were transferred to non-Cry1Ac toxic diet, they could recover fast, pupate, emerge and oviposit successfully. Therefore, once the early-instar larvae could survive and complete a generation after eating the plant tissue expressing Cry1Ac protein in the late development of the transgenic Bt crops, this will bring more risk of S. exigua on resistance to Bt crops, so it needs to develop an appropriate management strategy for this pest in agricultural Bt crops ecosystem.', 'en_US'),
(3847, 'Fitness of progenies between transgenic rice and weedy rice under greenhouse conditions.', 'In greenhouse, the F1 and F2 hybrids derived from glufosinate resistant transgenic rice (Y0003 and 99 1) and Malaysian weedy rice or Anhui weedy rice were backcrossed with corresponding weedy rice to obtain backcross generations. And the seed setting rates of the backcross were counted. The proportions of plants carrying the glufosinate resistance gene in F1 or F2 hybrids and the backcross generation were calculated. In order to comprehensively assess the risk of gene flow from glufosinate resistant rice to weedy rice, the fitness of hybrid and backcross generations were observed. The results showed that the hybrid generations were able to backcross with corresponding weedy rice with seed setting rates from 15% to 60%. The seeds from reciprocal hybrid F1 generation showed favorable glufosinate resistance, but F2 and backcross generations showed a normal 3&amp;#8758;1 and 1&amp;#8758;1 Mendelian segregation with glufosinate selection. The fitness of hybrid and backcross generations didn&amp;#8242;t differ obviously from that of their corresponding weedy rice. Most hybrid generations displayed similar fitness with backcross generations, but some hybrid generations were lower than backcross generations in fitness. All above results indicate that hybrids and backcross generations of two weedy rice carrying glufosinate resistance genes of Y0003 and 99 1 could survive under benign conditions without herbicide selection.', 'en_US'),
(3848, 'Frequency of gene flow from herbicide resistant transgenic rice to conventional rice varieties.', 'To observe the frequency of gene flow, a japonica rice 99 1 that contains the bar gene conferring Basta resistance was used as the pollen donor, and four conventional rice varieties as recipients were planted around it. The results showed that the frequency of transgene flow was 0.0193%-0.3960% at 0-2 m zone, but the frequencies were significantly different in different rice varieties.', 'en_US'),
(3849, 'Pollen viability and cross ability of isopentenyl transferase (ipt)-gene transformed broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) and its relatives.', 'Gene flow is an important index for environmental biosafety assessments. Pollens are potential carriers for genetically modified DNA to other plants. For phanerogams, pollen viability and cross-compatibility are key factors for successful outcross hybridization. In this study, broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) transformed with the ipt gene, designated as line 103 was used to investigate its potential outcross by pollen viability test and pollination with non-transgenic broccolis (line 104 and cv. ‘Green King’) and closely 5 related varieties, such as Chinese kales (B. oleracea var. alboglabra) ‘Fu Yue’ (white flower) and ‘Bai Ge Lin’ (yellow flower), cauliflower (B. oleracea var. botrytis) ‘Li Syue’, Pakchoi (B. rapa var. chinensis), and edible rape (B. rapa). These results provide valuable information for isolation and co-cultivation systems. Under field condition, flowering periods of transgenic ipt broccoli and non transgenic recipients were overlapping by 3–28 days in 2007 and 8–44 days in 2008. The pollen viability of F1 hybrids was determined by TTC (triphenyl tetrazolium chloride) method, FDA (fluorescein diacetate assay) and in vitro germination. The FDA showed no significant difference (p&amp;#65310;0.05) in pollen viability among transgenic line 103, non-transgenic and other tested cultivars. However, the differences of pollen viabilities were significant (p&lt;0.05) using TTC and in vitro germination. This result indicated that the cross abilities of transgenic and their hybridized offsprings were still existing. The range of hybridization rates were 86–100%, 1.1–42.5% and 0–9% by hand, insect (bee), and natural pollination, respectively. No hybridization was found from Pakchoi and edible rape as pollen recipients. The results showed that transgenic DNA insertion did not alter potential risk for outcross among broccoli varieties; however, there is possibility of gene transfer between transgenic and non-transgenic broccoli varieties.', 'en_US'),
(3850, 'No refuge for insect pests.', 'The sterile insect technique offers an alternative to the refuge strategy for managing resistance to Bt toxins.', 'en_US'),
(3851, 'Suppressing resistance to Bt cotton with sterile insect releases.', 'Genetically engineered crops that produce insecticidal toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are grown widely for pest control1. However, insect adaptation can reduce the toxins'' efficacy. The predominant strategy for delaying pest resistance to Bt crops requires refuges of non-Bt host plants to provide susceptible insects to mate with resistant insects. Variable farmer compliance is one of the limitations of this approach. Here we report the benefits of an alternative strategy where sterile insects are released to mate with resistant insects and refuges are scarce or absent. Computer simulations show that this approach works in principle against pests with recessive or dominant inheritance of resistance. During a large-scale, four-year field deployment of this strategy in Arizona, resistance of pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella) to Bt cotton did not increase. A multitactic eradication program that included the release of sterile moths reduced pink bollworm abundance by &gt;99%, while eliminating insecticide sprays against this key invasive pest.', 'en_US'),
(3852, 'Status of feral oilseed rape in Europe: its minor role as a GM impurity and its potential as a reservoir of transgene persistence.', 'Purpose:  Feral oilseed rape has become widespread in Europe on waysides and waste ground. Its potential as a source of GM impurity in oilseed rape harvests is quantified, for the first time, by a consistent analysis applied over a wide range of study areas in Europe.\r\nMethods:  The maximum contribution of feral oilseed rape to impurities in harvested crops was estimated by combining data on feral abundance and crop yield from five established, demographic studies in agricultural habitats in Denmark, Germany (2), France and the UK, constituting over 1,500 ha of land and 16 site-years of observations. Persistence of feral populations over time was compared by visual and molecular methods.\r\nResults:  Ferals had become established in all regions, forming populations 0.2 to 15 km&amp;#8722;2. The seed they produced was always &lt;0.0001% of the seed on crops of oilseed rape in each region. The contribution of ferals to impurity in crops through accidental harvest of seed and through cross-pollination would be an even smaller percentage. Feral oilseed rape nevertheless showed a widespread capacity to persist in all regions and retain traits from varieties no longer grown.\r\nConclusions:  Feral oilseed rape is not a relevant source of macroscopic impurity at its present density in the landscape but provides opportunity for genetic recombination, stacking of transgenes and the evolution of genotypes that under strong selection pressure could increase and re-occupy fields to constitute an economic weed burden and impurity in future crops.\r\n', 'en_US'),
(3853, 'The influence of fertilizer level and spore density on arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization of transgenic Bt 11 maize (Zea mays) in experimental microcosms.', 'Crop plants genetically modified for the expression of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticidal toxins have broad appeal for reducing insect damage in agricultural systems, yet questions remain about the impact of Bt plants on symbiotic soil organisms. Here, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) colonization of transgenic maize isoline Bt 11 (expressing Cry1Ab) and its non-Bt parental line (Providence) was evaluated under different fertilizer level and spore density scenarios. In a three-way factorial design, Bt 11 and non-Bt maize were inoculated with 0, 40, or 80 spores of Glomus mosseae and treated weekly with ‘No’ (0 g L&amp;#8722;1), ‘Low’ (0.23 g L&amp;#8722;1), or ‘High’ (1.87 g L&amp;#8722;1) levels of a complete fertilizer and grown for 60 days in a greenhouse. While no difference in AMF colonization was detected between the Bt 11 and Providence maize cultivars in the lower spore/higher fertilizer treatments, microcosm experiments demonstrated a significant reduction in AMF colonization in Bt 11 maize roots in the 80 spore treatments when fertilizer was limited. These results confirm previous work indicating an altered relationship between this Bt 11 maize isoline and AMF and demonstrate that the magnitude of this response is strongly dependent on both nutrient supply and AMF spore inoculation level.', 'en_US'),
(3854, 'Physiological response of non-bt and bt cotton to short-term drought stress.', 'Drought stress triggered the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) both in non-Bt and Bt cotton with simultaneous production of antioxidant enzymes. And there was no significant difference between non-Bt and Bt cotton under drought stress. In contrast to this, we observed a significant reduction of Bt toxin proteins under 72 h of drought stress in Bt cotton.', 'en_US'),
(3855, 'Field performance of TC1507 transgenic corn hybrids against Asian corn borer in the Philippines.', 'Two TC1507 transgenic Bt corn hybrids with the cry1F gene, their conventional isogenic hybrids and a conventional local hybrid were planted in five locations in 2006 wet season and seven locations in 2006–2007 dry season, to evaluate their performance against the Asian corn borer (ACB), Ostrinia furnacalis Guenee, as part of the Dow AgroSciences regulatory field trials to gain approval for cultivation of this corn hybrid in the Philippines. The two TC1507 hybrids had 0.00–0.14 tunnels per plant while the conventional isogenic hybrids averaged 1.08–9.51 tunnels per plant. More tunnels were observed on the two non-Bt isogenic hybrids and the conventional local hybrid during the wet season than during the dry season. Damage also varied with location. The TC1507 event was highly effective against ACB and provided significant yield benefits over the conventional corn hybrids, particularly under severe ACB infestation. TC1507 had reduced number of borer tunnels (99.1%), foliar injury (84.2%), total tunnel length per plant (99.9%) and averaged 2.08 mt more per ha yield than the non-Bt isogenic hybrids across the 12 test locations. Implication of TC1507 transgenic Bt corn in ACB resistance management is discussed.', 'en_US'),
(3856, 'Response of the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar to transgenic poplar, Populus simonii x P. nigra, expressing fusion protein gene of the spider insecticidal peptide and Bt-toxin cpeptide.', 'The response of the Asian gypsy moth Lymantria dispar (L.) (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) to a fusion gene consisting of the spider, Atrax robustus Simon (Araneae: Hexanthelidae) &amp;#969;-ACTXAr1 sequence coding for an &amp;#969;-atracotoxin and a sequence coding for the Bt-toxin C-peptide, expressed in transgenic poplar Populus simonii x P. nigra L. (Malphigiales: Salicaceae) was investigated. Individual performance, feeding selection, midgut proteinase activity and nutrition utilization were monitored. The growth and development of L. dispar were significantly affected by continually feeding on the transgenic poplar, with the larval instars displaying significantly shorter developmental times than those fed on nontransgenic poplar, but pupation was delayed. Mortality was higher in populations fed transgenic poplar leaves, than for larvae fed nontransgenic poplar leaves. The cumulative mortality during all stages of larvae fed transgenic leaves was 92% compared to 16.7% of larvae on nontransgenic leaves. The highest mortality observed was 71.7% in the last larval instar stage. A two-choice test showed that fifth-instar larvae preferred to feed on nontransgenic leaves at a ratio of 1:1.4. Feeding on transgenic leaves had highly significant negative effects on relative growth of larvae, and the efficiency of conversion of ingested and digested food. Activity of major midgut proteinases was measured using substrates TAME and BTEE showed significant increases in tryptase and chymotrypsinlike activity (9.2- and 9.0-fold, respectively) in fifth-instar larvae fed on transgenic leaves over control. The results suggest that transgenic poplar is resistant to L. dispar, and that the mature L. dispar may be weakened by the transgenic plants due to Bt protoxins activated by elevated midgut proteinase activity. The transgenic poplar expressing fusion protein genes of Bt and a spider insecticidal peptide are good candidates for managing the gypsy moth.', 'en_US'),
(3857, 'Safety assessment of nonbrowning potatoes: opening the discussion about the relevance of substantial equivalence on next generation biotech crops.', 'It is expected that the next generation of biotech crops displaying enhanced quality traits with benefits to both farmers and consumers will have a better acceptance than first generation biotech crops and will improve public perception of genetic engineering. This will only be true if they are proven to be as safe as traditionally bred crops. In contrast with the first generation of biotech crops where only a single trait is modified, the next generation of biotech crops will add a new level of complexity inherent to the mechanisms underlying their output traits. In this study, a comprehensive evaluation of the comparative safety approach on a quality-improved biotech crop with metabolic modifications is presented. Three genetically engineered potato lines with silenced polyphenol oxidase (Ppo) transcripts and reduced tuber browning were characterized at both physiological and molecular levels and showed to be equivalent to wild-type (WT) plants when yield-associated traits and photosynthesis were evaluated. Analysis of the primary metabolism revealed several unintended metabolic modifications in the engineered tubers, providing evidence for potential compositional inequivalence between transgenic lines and WT controls. The silencing construct sequence was in silico analysed for potential allergenic cross-reactivity, and no similarities to known allergenic proteins were identified. Moreover, in vivo intake safety evaluation showed no adverse effects in physiological parameters. Taken together, these results provide the first evidence supporting that the safety of next generation biotech crops can be properly assessed following the current evaluation criterion, even if the transgenic and WT crops are not substantially equivalent.', 'en_US'),
(3858, 'Non-target risk assessment of Bt crops -- Cry protein uptake by aphids.', 'One of the main concerns regarding the use of insect-resistant transgenic crops is their potential detrimental effect on non-target organisms that fulfil important ecological functions. The potential effects on desirable non-target organisms are thus assessed as part of the environmental risk assessment prior to the commercial release of any novel transgenic crop. Aphids are abundant herbivores in most crops and are attacked by a range of specialist predators and parasitoids. We here show that aphids do not ingest considerable amounts of insecticidal proteins when feeding on Bt-transgenic crops. We argue that occasional reports of low concentrations of Bt Cry proteins in aphids can be explained by contamination of the samples. Consequently, antagonists that are specifically or predominantly attacking aphids are unlikely to be at risk because of limited exposure. Studies to support the environmental risk assessment should thus focus on species that are more likely to be exposed to the insecticidal compounds.', 'en_US'),
(3859, 'Susceptibility of European and North American populations of the European corn borer to the Cry1F insecticidal protein.', 'Baseline susceptibility to the Cry1F toxin from Bacillus thuringiensis was determined for 11 European Union (EU) and 24 United States (US) populations of European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner). The response to Cry1F exposure was measured as mortality and growth inhibition for each population. The aim of this study was to characterize inter-population variation in the susceptibility of EU and US European corn borer (O. nubilalis) neonates to Cry1F protein and additionally, intra-population variation for the EU European corn borer to help develop effective and sensitive resistance monitoring methods. In this study, neonate European corn borer were exposed to a range of concentration of microbially-produced Cry1F protein applied to the surface of artificial diet. Measures of mortality and growth inhibition of larvae on surface-treated diet relative to untreated control diet were taken after 7 days. A comparison between European and American corn borer populations showed that the range of variation in Cry1F toxin susceptibility assessed by mortality and growth inhibition was similar. Differences in Cry1F susceptibility between European corn borer populations across continents and among the various populations within each geography were apparent although similar variation among replicates for the same population were also observed in two EU populations. It is likely that these small differences reflect natural variation in sensitivity among populations of European corn borer as well as methodological differences and are not influenced by geographic location. The importance of establishing baseline susceptibilities to resistance detection is discussed.', 'en_US'),
(3860, 'Fitness costs of Cry1F resistance in laboratory-selected European corn borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae).', 'The study of fitness costs associated with resistance to toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) is important for understanding resistance evolution and for evaluating resistance management practices that prevent or mitigate resistance. A strain of European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) obtained from field collections throughout the U.S. Corn Belt in 1996, was selected in the laboratory for resistance to Cry1F by exposure to the toxin incorporated into artificial diet. The selected strain developed more than 3000-fold resistance to Cry1F after 35 generations of selection and readily consumed Cry1F expressing maize tissue. Using this resistant strain, a susceptible strain with similar genetic background and reciprocal crosses between them, we estimated fitness costs and their dominance by measuring fitness components and population parameters determined by fertility life tables. Comparison of life-history traits and population growth rates of genotypes homozygous and heterozygous for resistance relative to susceptible genotypes indicated existence of weak and recessive fitness costs associated with resistance. The significance of these results in relation to current resistance management practices is discussed.', 'en_US'),
(3861, 'Effects of transgenic Bt cotton on overwintering characteristics and survival of Helicoverpa armigera.', 'The effects of transgenic Bt cotton on the overwintering generation of the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), are unknown. We hypothesized that a Bt cotton diet may adversely affect fitness of this generation and examined fresh weight, lipids, glycogens, low-molecular-weight sugars and SCPs (supercooling points) of pupae, as well as survival of larvae, diapausing pupae and adult emergence in comparison with controls. Field and laboratory experiments showed that larvae fed on Bt cotton had a decreased pupation rate, and fewer entered diapause and emerged as adults compared with larvae fed non-Bt cotton. Furthermore, larvae fed Bt cotton had reduced pupal weight, glycogen content and trehalose levels both in diapausing and in non-diapausing pupae, and only diapausing pupae had an increased SCP compared to controls. The SCPs of diapausing pupae reared on Bt cotton were significantly higher than those reared on non-Bt cotton. The trehalose levels of diapausing pupae reared on Bt cotton were significantly lower than those of larvae reared on non-Bt cotton. Thus, these results suggest that a Bt cotton diet weakens the preparedness of cotton bollworm for overwintering and reduces survival of the overwintering generation, which will in turn reduce the density of the first generation in the following year. Effects of transgenic Bt cotton on the overwintering generation of cotton bollworm appear to have significantly contributed to the suppression of cotton bollworm observed throughout northern China in the past decade.', 'en_US'),
(3862, 'Damage and survivorship of fall armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on transgenic field corn expressing Bacillus thuringiensis Cry proteins.', 'Field corn, Zea mays L., plants expressing Cry1Ab and Cry1F insecticidal crystal (Cry) proteins of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Berliner are planted on considerable acreage across the Southern region of the United States. The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), is an economically important pest during the mid-to-late season on non-Bt and some commercial Bt corn hybrids. The objective of this study was to quantify foliar injury and survivorship of fall armyworm on transgenic corn lines expressing Cry1Ab or Cry1F Bt proteins. Corn lines/hybrids expressing Cry1Ab, Cry1F, and a conventional non-Bt cultivar were evaluated against artificial infestations of fall armyworm in field trials. Larvae (second instars) of fall armyworm were placed on corn plants (V8-V10 stages). Leaf injury ratings were recorded 14 d after infestation. Hybrids expressing Cry1F had significantly lower feeding injury ratings than non-Bt corn plants. Development and survivorship of fall armyworm on Bt corn lines/hybrids were also evaluated in no-choice laboratory assays by offering freshly harvested corn leaf tissue to third instars. Transgenic corn hybrids expressing Cry1Ab or Cry1F significantly reduced growth, development, and survivorship of fall armyworm compared to those offered non-Bt corn tissue. However, 25–76% of third instars offered Bt corn leaf tissues successfully pupated and emerged as adults. These results suggest Cry1Ab has limited effects on fall armyworm; whereas Cry1F demonstrated significant reductions in foliar injury and lower survivorship compared to that on non-Bt corn tissues. Although fall armyworm is not considered a primary target for insect resistance management by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, these levels of survivorship could impact selection pressures across the farmscape, especially when considering that transgenic Bt cotton cultivars express similar Cry (Cry1Ac or Cry1F) proteins.', 'en_US'),
(3863, 'Degradation dynamics of Cry1Ab insecticidal protein within transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis corn root debris and rhizosphere soil in field.', 'OBJECTIVE:  The field degradation dynamics of Cry1Ab insecticidal protein in transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis corn in the root debris and rhizosphere soil of corn of events MON810 and Bt11 at harvest stage were investigated and compared.\r\nMETHOD:  The levels of Cry1Ab protein expression in root debris and rhizosphere soil of the two transgenic Bt corns of events MON810 and Bt11were quantified by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent essay(ELISA).\r\nRESULT:  It was showed that the Cry1Ab toxin in Bt corn root debris and rhizosphere soil were gradually degraded.The content of Cry1Ab insecticidal protein in corn root debris of MON810 was higher than that of Bt11,the degradation speed was slower compared with that of Bt11.The Cry1Ab insecticidal protein in root debris could not degrade completely in 8 months after harvest.No Cry1Ab insecticidal protein was detected in root debris of Bt11 in 7 months after harvest.Degradation of Cry1Ab insecticidal protein in rhizosphere soil of event MON810 was slower than that of event Bt11,no Cry1Ab insecticidal protein was detected in the rhizosphere soil of events MON810 and Bt11 in 8 months and 7 months after harvest,respectively.\r\nCONCLUSION:  The Cry1Ab insecticidal protein could not degrade completely,and some residues still remain in root debris and rhizosphere soil of events MON810 and Bt11 in the emerging stage of the spring crops in following year in field where the MON810 and Bt11 were planted.', 'en_US'),
(3864, 'Plants with genetically modified events combined by conventional breeding: an assessment of the need for additional regulatory data.', 'Crop varieties with multiple GM events combined by conventional breeding have become important in global agriculture. The regulatory requirements in different countries for such products vary considerably, placing an additional burden on regulatory agencies in countries where the submission of additional data is required and delaying the introduction of innovative products to meet agricultural needs. The process of conventional plant breeding has predictably provided safe food and feed products both historically and in the modern era of plant breeding. Thus, previously approved GM events that have been combined by conventional plant breeding and contain GM traits that are not likely to interact in a manner affecting safety should be considered to be as safe as their conventional counterparts. Such combined GM event crop varieties should require little, if any, additional regulatory data to meet regulatory requirements.', 'en_US'),
(3865, 'The first approved transgenic rice in China.', 'The approval for commercializing the pest resistant transgenic rice in 2009 is a landmark decision in the history of China. A comprehensive overview on the approved rice strains in relevance to their development, molecular characterization, agronomic benefits, and biosafety assessment is discussed within this review.', 'en_US'),
(3866, 'A global overview of biotech (GM) crops: adoption, impact and future prospects.', 'In the early 1990s, some were skeptical that genetically modified (GM) crops, now referred to as biotech crops, could deliver improved products and make an impact at the farm level. There was even more skepticism that developing countries would adopt biotech crops. The adoption of and commercialization of biotech crops in 2008 is reviewed. The impact of biotech crops are summarized including their contribution to: global food, feed and fiber security; a safer environment; a more sustainable agriculture; and the alleviation of poverty, and hunger in the developing countries of the world. Future prospects are discussed. Notably, Egypt planted Bt maize for the first time in 2008 thereby becoming the first country in the Arab world to commercialize biotech crops.', 'en_US'),
(3867, 'Reducing uncertainty in regulatory decision-making for transgenic crops: more ecological research or clearer environmental risk assessment?', 'Ecological research and environmental risk assessment are similar in that they address interesting problems by formulating and testing hypotheses. They differ in the types of problems that are interesting, the characteristics of good hypotheses to solve those problems, and the methods for rigorous testing of hypotheses. It is important to recognize the differences between environmental risk assessment and basic ecological research because confusing them can lead to ineffective risk assessment and missed opportunities to advance ecological theory. Uncertainty in regulatory decision-making about transgenic crops may be reduced more effectively by clarifying the purpose and structure of environmental risk assessments than by further research on the ecology of the crops.', 'en_US'),
(3868, 'Engineering the plant genome: prospects of selection systems using nonantibiotic marker genes.', 'In the past 2-3 decades, great progress has been achieved in the field of plant genetic manipulation. This progress is based on fine-tuning of gene transfer methods, selection of transformed cells, and regulation of transgene expression. Transgenic plant production requires selectable marker genes that enable the selection of transformed cells, tissue and plants. The most used are those that exhibit resistance to antibiotics or herbicides. Although this type of selection is routinely practiced, there are perceived risks in the deployment of transgenic plants containing these markers. A number of strategies have emerged on the development of alternate selection systems referred to as positive selection and marker-free systems. Transgenes that permit plant cells to utilize new carbon sources are being employed in transformation research. Current research on marker-free transgenics is growing rapidly and its application is being tested in different plant species.', 'en_US'),
(3869, 'GM crops in Africa: challenges in Egypt.', 'In Africa, six million children die from malnutrition before their fifth birthday per year (World Bank stats). More than 800 million people go to bed hungry, 300 million of them are children.\r\n&quot;Simply because my people are hungry, that is no justification to give them poison&quot; Small words that were outspoken by President Levy Mwanawasa of Zambia, who refused to accept milled grains from the United States during the worst food shortage crises that ever faced Africa 2002. Amazingly; African leaders of Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Mozambique refused to accept food aid, because it was &quot;contaminated&quot; with genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Moreover, they claimed that it made food &quot;hazardous to human health&quot;. Eventually, African countries gave in and accepted milled GM cereals, but Zambia was only spared from the catastrophe when they received certifiably non-GM aid from Europe.', 'en_US'),
(3870, 'Rapeseed species and environmental concerns related to loss of seeds of genetically modified oilseed rape in Japan.', 'Feral rapeseed in Japan consists of Brassica rapa, B. juncea, and B. napus, mostly produced by escape from crops. Brassica rapa and B. juncea were introduced from abroad long ago as leaf and root vegetables and as an oil crop, and breeders have developed various cultivars. Brassica napus was introduced in the late 1800s, mainly as an oil crop. Rapeseed production in Japan is low, and most demand is met by imports from Canada (94.4% of the 2009 trade volume). Recently, spontaneous B. napus, including genetically modified (GM) herbicide-resistant individuals, has been detected along Japanese roads, probably originating from seeds lost during transportation of imports. As GM oilseed production increases abroad, the probability of escape of GM oilseed rape in Japan will increase, raising environmental biosafety concerns related to the impact of feral rapeseed on heirloom brassicaceous crops. In this paper, we review the history of rapeseed introduction in Japan and future concerns.', 'en_US'),
(3871, 'Gene flow from transgenic common beans expressing the bar gene.', 'Gene flow is a common phenomenon even in self-pollinated plant species. With the advent of genetically modified plants this subject has become of the utmost importance due to the need for controlling the spread of transgenes. This study was conducted to determine the occurrence and intensity of outcrossing in transgenic common beans. In order to evaluate the outcross rates, four experiments were conducted in Santo Antonio de Goiás (GO, Brazil) and one in Londrina (PR, Brazil), using transgenic cultivars resistant to the herbicide glufosinate ammonium and their conventional counterparts as recipients of the transgene. Experiments with cv. Olathe Pinto and the transgenic line Olathe M1/4 were conducted in a completely randomized design with ten replications for three years in one location, whereas the experiments with cv. Pérola and the transgenic line Pérola M1/4 were conducted at two locations for one year, with the transgenic cultivar surrounded on all sides by the conventional counterpart. The outcross occurred at a negligible rate of 0.00741% in cv. Pérola, while none was observed (0.0%) in cv. Olathe Pinto. The frequency of gene flow was cultivar dependent and most of the observed outcross was within 2.5 m from the edge of the pollen source.', 'en_US'),
(3872, 'Emergence of minor pests becoming major pests in GE cotton in China: what are the reasons? What are the alternatives practices to this change of status?', 'A recent study in China by Lu et al.  shows that populations of an occasional cotton pest, mirid bugs (Heteroptera: Miridae), increased following the introduction of genetically engineered (GE) cotton plants. The GE cotton produces a delta-endotoxin from the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to control the cotton bollworm. Before the introduction of Bt cotton in China, mirid bugs were usually controlled by broad-spectrum pesticide sprays targeted against the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera H.', 'en_US'),
(3873, 'Characteristics of resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis toxin Cry2Ab in a strain of Helicoverpa punctigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) isolated from a field population.', 'In 1996, the Australian cotton industry adopted Ingard that expresses the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxin gene cry1Ac and was planted at a cap of 30%. In 2004-2005, Bollgard II, which expresses cry1Ac and cry2Ab, replaced Ingard in Australia, and subsequently has made up &gt;80% of the area planted to cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L. The Australian target species Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) and Helicoverpa punctigera (Wallengren) are innately moderately tolerant to Bt toxins, but the absence of a history of insecticide resistance indicates that the latter species is less likely to develop resistance to Bt cotton. From 2002-2003 to 2006-2007, F2 screens were deployed to detect resistance to Cry1Ac or Cry2Ab in natural populations of H. punctigera. Alleles that conferred an advantage against Cry1Ac were not detected, but those that conferred resistance to Cry2Ab were present at a frequency of 0.0018 (n = 2,192 alleles). Importantly, the first isolation of Cry2Ab resistance in H. punctigera occurred before significant opportunities to develop resistance in response to Bollgard II. We established a colony (designated Hp4-13) consisting of homozygous resistant individuals and examined their characteristics through comparison with individuals from a Bt-susceptible laboratory colony. Through specific crosses and bioassays, we established that the resistance present in Hp4-13 is due to a single autosomal gene. The resistance is fully recessive. Homozygotes are able to survive a dose of Cry2Ab toxin that is 15 times the reported concentration in field grown Bollgard II in Australia (500 &amp;#956;g/ml) and are fully susceptible to Cry1Ac and to the Bt product DiPel. These characteristics are the same as those described for the first Cry2Ab resistant strain of H. armigera isolated from a field population in Australia.', 'en_US'),
(3874, 'Vip3Aa tolerance response of Helicoverpa armigera populations from a Cry1Ac cotton planting region.', 'Transgenic cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., that expresses the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Cry1Ac toxin, holds great promise in controlling target insect pests. Evolution of resistance by target pests is the primary threat to the continued efficacy of Bt cotton. To thwart pest resistance evolution, a transgenic cotton culitvar that produces two different Bt toxins, cry1Ac and vip3A genes, was proposed as a successor of cry1Ac cotton. This article reports on levels of Vip3Aa tolerance in Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) populations from the Cry1Ac cotton planting region in China based on bioassays of the F1 generation of isofemale lines. In total, 80 isofemale families of H. armigera from Xiajin county of Shandong Province (an intensive Bt cotton planting area) and 93 families from Anci county of Hebei Province (a multiple-crop system including corn [Zea mays L.], soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), and Bt cotton) were screened with a discriminating concentration of both Cry1Ac- and Vip3A-containing diets in 2009. From data on the relative average development rates and percentage of larval weight inhibition of F1 full-sib families tested simultaneously on Cry1Ac and Vip3Aa, results indicate that responses to Cry1Ac and Vip3Aa were not genetically correlated in field population of H. armigera. This indicates that the threat of cross-resistance between Cry1Ac and Vip3A is low in field populations of H. armigera. Thus, the introduction of Vip3Aa/Cry1Ac-producing lines could delay resistance evolution in H. armigera in Bt cotton planting area of China.', 'en_US');
