AgBioForum, vol. 17, no.2&3 (2014)
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Item Modeling of Gene Flow by a Bayesian Approach : A New Perspective for Decision Support(University of Missouri, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, 2014) Bensadoun, Arnaud; Monod, Hervé; Angevin, Frédérique; Makowski, David; Messéan, AntoineIn the European debate about GMOs, the coexistence between GM and non-GM crops is a major stake. The regulatory coexistence measures currently considered by Member States mostly rely on fixed separation distances at a national scale. Several spatially explicit modeling approaches have been studied to help determine these separation distances. However the formalism used in those models and the availability of relevant and independent data for calibration and validation make the uncertainty analysis of those models almost impossible. The study presented here aims at developing an alternative model-based approach with emphasis on uncertainty to better adapt coexistence rules to any specific situation. The research work focuses on the use of Bayesian methods to design a collection of statistical models at the scale of an agricultural landscape. Those models yield cross-pollination rates in non-GM fields and are flexible enough to adapt to the available in situ information. Thanks to the Bayesian approach, estimates are computed as distributions whose dispersion depends on the amount and quality of available data; the more abundant and accurate the data, the narrower the distribution. In addition to model construction, we propose a coherent approach to select the best model for a given situation. The selection does not only rely on goodness of fit but also on the quality of the resulting decision for a given threshold. Models are already compatible with the decision support tool of the EU project PRICE.Item Influence of Air Temperature on the Stability of Cytoplasmic Male Sterility (CMS) in Maize (Zea mays L.)(University of Missouri, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, 2014) Bückmann, Heidrun; Thiele, Katja; Hüsken, Alexandra; Schiemann, JoachimCytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is a maternally inherited trait that suppresses the production of viable pollen. CMS is a useful biological tool for containment strategies to reduce or prevent gene flow and cross-pollination to facilitate coexistence of genetically modified (GM) and non GM-crops in cases where it is required. CMS is reversible and can restore to fertility in the presence of nuclear restorer genes (Rf-genes) and by environ- mental impacts. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of air temperature on the stability of CMS maize hybrids under defined greenhouse conditions. Three CMS maize hybrids were grown in three different temperature regimes. Tassel characteristics, pollen production, and fertility were studied. The CMS stability was high in hot air tempera- tures and decreased in lower temperatures. The extent of these phenomena was dependent on the CMS maize genotype and should be known before using CMS for coexistence purposes.Item Considering Religious and Cultural Aspects of Food and Agriculture when Seeking to Introduce or Develop GMOs(University of Missouri, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, 2014) Coe, AlexandraCulture, religion, and technology have shaped the development of society since the dawn of time. This article examines sacredness and happiness -- as the common values all religions and cultures share -- as the lens of weighing and balancing the perceived risk and benefits associated with agricultural biotechnology. The future of agbiotech rests in true cooperative engagement across all sectors of the agricultural network to address most of these conflicts, and this requires a strong religious and cultural understanding of how biotechnology might play into a region's agricultural landscape. Shifting the focus to regional, small-scale agricultural challenges that support traditional food-ways and small-scale farmers could be one critical way to achieve this shift.Item Preliminary Risk Assessment of Transgenic Plant Use in Ukraine(University of Missouri, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, 2014) Novozhylov, Oleg V.; Blume, Yaroslav B.Proposed research for Ukraine is an attempt to adopt and develop a system of pre-release risk assessment of GM crops after the idea of F.T. de Vries and developed by K. Ammann based on integrated information (specific codes) on hybridization potential, dispersal of diaspores, and frequency of distribution of respective species. After an evaluation of all codes, the combination gives an opportunity to estimate the impact of GM plants on wild flora. Six categories of risk probability have been developed from 'no effect' to 'substantial and widespread effect.' Accordingly, conditions of field releases are defined to the risk category term of monitoring and level of containment of GM species belonging to these categories. In the case of Ukraine, such preliminary risk assessment was done for oilseed rape, sugar beet, potato, corn, and false flax. The proposed technique can be used in the risk assessment of plant introduction. In addition, it is advisable to apply it for novel plant varieties developed using new breeding techniques.Item Use of Novel Techniques in Plant Breeding and Practical Consequences Concerning Detection, Traceability, Labeling, and Risk Assessment(University of Missouri, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, 2014) Ribarits, Alexandra; Brüller, Werner; Hartmann, Josef; Hochegger, Rupert; Mechtler, Klemens; Peterseil, Verena; Söllinger, Josef; Stepanek, Walter; Widhalm, Ingomar; Wögerbauer, Markus; Leonhardt, CharlotteGenetically modified plants (GMP) are regulated by comprehensive EU legislation. Cisgenesis, intragenesis, oligo-directed mutagenesis (ODM), zinc-finger nucleases (ZFN), and agroinfiltration were examined concerning detection, traceability, labeling, and risk assessment. Similar transformation methods -- as in transgenesis using genetic elements from same or cross-compatible plant species -- characterize cisgenesis and intragenesis. Targeting the genome with ODM or ZFN minimizes unintended effects, but current data indicate limited efficiency and specificity; modifications are similar to those occurring during traditional plant breeding. The characteristics of plants produced by these techniques affect detection in the supply chains. Detection is possible when the target site is known, except for agroinfiltration that aims at transient expression of a gene/trait. The basis to assess potential risks arising from relevant plants and derived food and feed is similar to that of GMP. Depending on the specifics of the plant under investigation, data requirements for regulators may be reconsidered case-by-case.
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