Landwirtschaftliche Nutzfläche (LN)
2.2.4 On Field Monitoring of Genetically Modified Plant Varieties from the Point of View of Plant Breeders and Seed Producing
Compa-nies
Beitrag im RKI Internet Forum; Session 2;
http://www.rki.de/GENTEC/FORUM/FORUM.HTMba-sierend auf einem gemeinsamen Beitrag von BDP, DIB und IVA
Gisbert Kley, Marion Nölkensmeier , Anja Matzk (a.matzk@kws.de); Ansprechpartner: Bundesverband Deutscher Pflanzenzüchter (BDP) info@bdp-online.de
Although no negative, scientifically proven impacts of genetically modified plant varieties on the environment have been experienced yet and although those potential impacts are not to be ex-pected in virtue of the technical expertise available so far, plant breeding and biotech industry in Germany, gathered in the German Plant Breeders Association BDP (Bundesverband Deutscher Pflanzenzüchter), the German Industrial Biotechnology Association DIB (Deutsche Industrievere-inigung Biotechnologie) and the Industrial Agricultural Association IVA (Industrieverband Agrar) jointly decided to set up a monitoring position for registered and approved GM-plant varieties. This bears in mind the precautionary principle and was elaborated to extend our existing experience with the release of ever new varieties to large scale cultivation of GM varieties. Recommendations for the farmers and reliable data for discussions with food processors, traders and the public will be obtained.
When compiling data on genetically modified plants, a fundamental differentiation must be made between research and on field monitoring. Research work is carried out during the deliberate re-lease to investigate case specific, scientific questions before approval for market introduction is given. After market approval, on field monitoring of genetically modified plants will be carried out.
Two segments of on field monitoring can be distinguished. General surveillance has the aim of detecting any unexpected effects by means of comparison with the experience gained from con-ventional varieties and cultivation systems. On the other hand further investigations of specific sci-entific questions (case-specific monitoring) can be initiated as a result of the risk evaluation proc-ess within the framework of the approval procedure, if necproc-essary.
The plant breeding industry considers and highly appreciates the correspondent article in the
"common decision of the Ministers Council of June 25th, 1999" to use "routine procedures for moni-toring work", since its majority encompasses small- and mid-sized companies, which in no case can afford high expenses for additional monitoring procedures.
The following principles are important and practice-oriented elements of on field monitoring:
A. Case-by-case observation of genetically modified organisms (GMO).
B. Utilisation of existing infrastructures in the fields of agriculture, plant breeding and, seed production to ensure the practicability of the observations.
C. Expert evaluation and communication of the obtained results.
Re A: Case-by-case observation of genetically modified organisms (GMO)
In principle, no obligatory standards should be imposed on monitoring protocols, and it must be possible to modify them to adapt them to the latest scientific knowledge. Discriminatory treatment of already tested and approved GMOs would not be justified, as they have already been judged safe to the environment and to human health in the course of the approval procedure. It is essen-tial that all approved products are treated alike. On field monitoring utilising the existing infrastruc-tures in the field of plant breeding will ensure that genetically modified plants are introduced on the market responsibly.
Case-by-case observation is already practised in current research during the deliberate release of transgenic organisms i.e. experience in the environment is gathered in each individual case and the safety-relevant parameters are tested. This principle must also be applied to any case-specific monitoring.
Re B: Utilisation of existing infrastructures in the fields of agriculture and plant breeding to ensure the practicability of the observations.
In plant breeding companies, seed production operations do exist and follow OECD certification rules. The following approaches are embodied and could be adopted for an on field monitoring:
• Contractual agreements between plant breeder / seed production company and farmer / seed grower exist which allows both, the plant breeder and the competent authority, to de-fine parameters to be included in a monitoring programme.
• Inspection during seed production in successive generations of seed propagation within the framework of official seed certification. Thus normal agricultural field size trials would be carried out.
• Fields and surrounding areas are inspected routinely by the plant breeders. According to the OECD seed scheme, fields need to be controlled for the presence / absence of volun-teer plants and species which allow cross pollination.
• Observation during the normal control cultivation within the framework of variety surveil-lance. Sequence of several generations of the plant variety which provides for the analysis of the maintenance of the alteration of the genotype or the presence of alien genes by con-ducting genome / molecular analysis and / or grow-out post-control tests.
Existing seed surveillance systems offer possibilities for on field monitoring in the course of seed propagation and inspection in Germany in the following areas:
- Breeders´ seed
- Officially certified pre-basic seed - Officially certified basic seed - Officially certified seed
These propagation areas are subject to thorough inspection and offer the possibility of systematic surveillance over a period of several years, taking the special characteristics of the various crop varieties into consideration. The following parameters could, for instance, be compared to ascer-tain whether unexpected effects, i.e. deviations from the norm, occur:
- Volunteer plants in the follower crop and competitive pressure - Deviant plants (off-types)
- Susceptibility to disease
- General appearance of the crop
These parameters are examples. Adoptations and supplementations can be implemented, if nec-essary.
It must be noted that on field monitoring of genetically modified plants can only be carried out within one’s own area of responsibility and jurisdiction. Plant breeders cannot exert any influence on seeds after they have been released to farmers and plants are already available for food pro-duction.
At the same time it is essential to ensure that plant breeding companies, which are mainly small or medium-sized enterprises in Germany, can handle the ensuing workload and also have sufficient human resources available.
Therefore, existing systems for monitoring would be advantageous and furthermore satisfy all needs.
Re C: Expert evaluation and communication of the obtained results
On field monitoring is a means of observing the differences between transgenic plants and the ex-perience gained with non-transgenic plants in the environment, as only deviations from what can be defined as being within the range of natural variation. It is a question of detecting unexpected effects and testing whether they are due to genetic modification. As a result of this evaluation, fur-ther scientific investigations in the sense of case-specific monitoring can be initiated if necessary.
The results of the investigations should be passed on to the appropriate national authori-ties. We are in favour of making these results available to the general public.
In parallel to the on field monitoring, specific public research projects can be initiated for scientific questions of general interest. Common research programmes carried out by institutes, authorities and industry are conceivable. Such approaches could result in the compilation of scientific data which would provide a basis for the extensive information of the general public.
An example of seed production practice with oil seed rape - steps of on field monitoring 1. Monitoring of genetically modified winter oilseed rape varieties in conducting winter oilseed rape seed production
Criteria for the selection of fields
Precedent crops Winter oilseed rape every four years to grow Information of the seed grower about field,
post control by the seed advisor of the plant breeding company
Field will not be deemed suitable for seed growing in case of presence of off-types, pres-ence of weeds or when mustard or fodder rad-ish have been grown prior to seed production of winter oilseed rape
Distance of the seed growing area to other winter oilseed rape areas (pre-conditions of passing field inspection)
Distance defined in official guidelines for field inspection purposes differing for
open-pollinating and hybrid varieties Written confirmation of the distance of other
winter oilseed rape fields by the neighbour grower to the field inspecting authority
In case of a lack of sufficient distance the neighbour grower has to grow the same vari-ety which shall be grown on the seed produc-tion area
2. Monitoring of genetically modified winter oilseed rape in seed production
Plant husbandry in autumn
Proceeding in autumn Sowing date and rate, fertilising, treatment agreed on between seed grower and field advi-sor
Control mechanism of the field advisor Visiting the seed growing area prior to the offi-cial field inspection, written notes of visiting results in the files
1st official field inspection - Assessment of presence of weeds, distance to neighbour areas, presence of off-types – Statement whether other faults or off-types require an additional control in spring
– Discussion of seed grower and field advisor about results
Potential problems Some of the cruciferous weeds do not present any problem because of lacking winter hardi-ness in our climate
3. Monitoring of genetically modified winter oilseed rape in seed production
Plant husbandry in spring
Applied technology in spring Fertilizing advice given by the field advisor (notes in the files)
Checks Check of the growing area by the field advisor
2nd official field inspection - Assessment of weeds, early flowering types, off-types
- In case of hybrids two field inspections in spring
- control of the sterile mother line prior to flowering
- cut off of pollinator line
Advice for the tillage of harvest residues After harvest advises given to the farmer on the removal of harvest residues and potential failing oilseed rape grains to avert contamina-tion and later off-types
As a result of all these assessments in routine procedures every year a full range of data would be collected, which can easily be used for monitoring GM-plant varieties grown under farm conditions.
The data assessment for monitoring oilseed rape using routine tools is one example. For other crop species the same kind of such routine networks are already existing and can be adapted for monitoring those crop species.