Isolation Distances for GM Maize in Switzerland

After reviewing past cross-fertilization studies in maize, a group of researchers in Switzerland recommended isolation distances of 20 m and 50 m for silage and grain maize respectively, to keep GM-inputs in the final product below the 0.9% threshold set by the European Union (EU). The researchers assert that their study demonstrates that coexistence between GM and non-GM maize cultivation would be possible in European agriculture.

To determine the isolation distances, the group of Olivier Sanvido at the Agroscope Reckenholz-Tänikon Research Station reviewed studies conducted under seed production conditions, and also those performed with open-pollinated maize. They also looked at past research dealing with the dynamics and mechanisms of maize pollen dispersal.

Sanvido’s group then established relevant criteria for evaluating the studies which included biological and physical parameters relevant for maize cultivation. They stated that their approach to determine the recommended distances may be useful for analyzing cross-fertilization data in other countries.

For details, the paper published in Transgenic Research can be accessed at http://www.springerlink.com/content/n561562061873351/.