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Exploratory study on the presence of GM oilseed rape near German oil mills

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Abstract

Seed losses from imported oilseed rape (OSR) and the genetically modified (GM) admixtures therein may potentially lead to the establishment of transgenic plants and their hybridization with wild crucifers. The post-market environmental monitoring (PMEM) must therefore also address problems related to seed spillages of GM OSR. Since detailed information on imported commodity flows, GM contents, means of transport, downstream users and efficient containment of GM OSR was lacking, we performed a field study in the vicinity of large oil mills and seed processing industries at the harbours along the river Rhine. One hundred thirty-six composite samples taken from one to 20 plants per site were collected near roads, railways and waterways. Individuals or large groups of feral OSR plants were detected in all of the nine study areas, but only one plant out of 1918 tested was confirmed to be transgenic (GT73). The results suggest that a spread of herbicide tolerant GM OSR has not occurred to date. In order to confirm the absence of GM feral OSR and potentially adverse effects of GM plants in the future, we recommend monitoring feral OSR on a routine basis. We present an approach for the sampling and testing of feral OSR that is based on floristic mapping and rapid tests for the determination of herbicide tolerances.

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Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the funding from the German Federal Ministry for the environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety and the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation under grant number FKZ 351 389 0100-010115. Furthermore, we are grateful to the practical suggestions from Swiss, Austrian, Dutch and German scientists who were involved in the project-related advisory group.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Landscape and Plant Ecology, Universität Hohenheim, August von Hartmann Straße 3, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany

    J. Franzaring, K. Wedlich & A. Fangmeier

  2. LUBW, Landesanstalt für Umwelt, Messungen und Naturschutz Baden-Württemberg, Griesbachstraße 1, 76185, Karlsruhe, Germany

    S. Eckert & J. Zipperle

  3. Ministerium für Klimaschutz, Umwelt, Landwirtschaft, Natur-und Verbraucherschutz des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen, Schwannstraße 3, 40476, Düsseldorf, Germany

    I. Krah-Jentgens

  4. BfN, Bundesamt für Naturschutz, FG II 1.3 Monitoring, Konstantinstraße 110, 53179, Bonn, Germany

    C. Hünig & W. Züghart

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  1. J. Franzaring
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  2. K. Wedlich
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Franzaring, J., Wedlich, K., Fangmeier, A. et al. Exploratory study on the presence of GM oilseed rape near German oil mills. Environ Sci Pollut Res 23, 23300–23307 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-016-7735-5

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