The Canadian Department of the Environment (also known as Environment Canada) has determined that the Bt gene cry1Ab from biotech corn persisted in aquatic areas near the site where the insect resistant crop was planted.

Using various DNA extraction methods and real time PCR, the group of C. André has determined that there were varying amounts of the cry1Ab gene in sediment, soil, and surface water samples. The sediments were found to contain about 100-fold more cry1Ab DNA than did the surface water.

Because of the concern that the release of DNA in the environment increases the probability of in situ horizontal gene transfers in microorganisms by transduction, transformation, and conjugation, André’s group recommends that monitoring strategies must not be ignored and that there should be sustained attention about the fate of exogenous genes in the environment.

The abstract in the journal Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, with links to the complete paper for subscribers can be accessed at http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2006.01.002..