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Dispersal of transgenes through maize seed systems in Mexico
- Source :
- PloS one, vol 4, iss 5, PLoS ONE, Vol 4, Iss 5, p e5734 (2009), PLoS ONE
- Publication Year :
- 2009
- Publisher :
- eScholarship, University of California, 2009.
-
Abstract
- ObjectivesCurrent 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.MethodsWe 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.ResultsRecombinant 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.ConclusionsUnderstanding 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.
- Subjects :
- Germplasm
General Science & Technology
Seed dispersal
Science
Population
Population Dynamics
Genetically Modified
Biology
medicine.disease_cause
Zea mays
Gene flow
Crop
Diffusion
Pollen
medicine
Plant breeding
Transgenes
education
Biotechnology/Plant Biotechnology
Mexico
Plant Proteins
education.field_of_study
Multidisciplinary
Geography
business.industry
Altitude
Ecology/Plant-Environment Interactions
food and beverages
Plants
Plants, Genetically Modified
Biotechnology
Agronomy
Seeds
Biological dispersal
Plant Biology/Agricultural Biotechnology
Medicine
business
Research Article
Subjects
Details
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- PloS one, vol 4, iss 5, PLoS ONE, Vol 4, Iss 5, p e5734 (2009), PLoS ONE
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi.dedup.....43b7edfea8433dd199b844f1ee33a7ab