Feral GM Canola Found in North Dakota

Researchers from the Environmental Protection Agency, University of Arkansas and University of California, Fresno, have reportedly identified populations of genetically modified (GM) canola growing wild in North Dakota. According to results presented at the Ecological Society of America’s (ESA’s) 95th Annual Meeting, scientists found that 347 of the 406 plants collected from roadsides contained either CP4 EPSPS protein, which confers tolerance to glyphosate herbicide, or PAT protein, which confers tolerance to glufosinate herbicide. “There were also two instances of multiple transgenes in single individuals,” University of Arkansas ecologist Cynthia Sagers was quoted as saying. “Varieties with multiple transgenic traits have not yet been released commercially, so this finding suggests that feral populations are reproducing and have become established outside of cultivation.” See ESA Press Release, August 6, 2010.

Sagers has reportedly called for further research, suggesting that GM canola has been “part of the landscape for several generations.” She has conceded, however, that roadside sampling could be biased if cultivated GM seeds were spread, not by distant farms, but during transport via truck. As Sagers told one media source, “The regulatory protocols designed to reduce or prevent escape and proliferation of feral transgenic crops are ineffective. Current tracking and monitoring of GM organisms are insufficient.” See Nature.com, August 6, 2010.