Indicator Species for Monitoring GM Crops After Release

Placing-on-the-market of genetically modified organisms requires post-release monitoring of their possible impact on the environment. Scientists from the Swiss Federal Institute and German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation identified 21 indicator species for post-release monitoring of GM herbicide tolerant maize in Germany. They also considered the effects of long-time GM maize cultivation and the application of non-selective herbicides glyphosate and glufosinate.

High risk weed species include knotgrass, field pansy, thistle, tuberous pea, common groundsel and mayweed. The scientists also identified high risk weed-associated lepidopteran (moths and butterflies) species, such as the purple-edged copper, high brown fritillary, burnet moth, and wood white. The findings could reduce investments necessary for post-release monitoring but at the same time maintain its indicative power.

The article published by Euphytica is available at http://www.springerlink.com/content/yg9q314357373x36/fulltext.pdf Non-subscribers can read the abstract at http://www.springerlink.com/content/yg9q314357373x36/?p=8ff21cba656a477ab180318ba34b7344&pi=8