First GM Plants Found in the Wild

This is the stuff of my nightmares: Genetically-modified (GM) plants escaping the confines of agriculture and invading the wild. We thought regular invasive species were bad? They seem tame compared to genetic contamination of the wild. Even more alarming: Some of the plants had a mix of modified genes, indicating that they are reproducing on their own.

Although GM plant populations in the wild have been found in Canada, this is the first time they have been found in the United Sates.

Meredith G. Schafer, from the University of Arkansas, and colleagues established transects of land over 3000 miles long including interstate, state and county roads in North Dakota from which they collected, photographed and tested 406 canola plants.

The results show that transgenic plants have clearly established populations in the wild. Of the 406 plants collected, 347 tested positive for CP4 EPSPS protein (resistant to glyphosate herbicide, aka Roundup) or PAT protein (resistant to glufosinate herbicide, aka LibertyLink). The finding shows that genetically modified canola plants can survive and thrive in the wild perhaps for decades–the study was presented today at the annual meeting of the Ecological Society of America.

The team’s key finding was two plants that each carried both types of herbicide resistance — a combination that is not commercially available. The only way this can happen in the wild is if the plants are reproducing on their own. “There were two instances of multiple transgenes in single individuals,” said coauthor Cynthia Sagers, University of Arkansas. “Varieties with multiple transgenic traits have not yet been released commercially, so this finding suggests that feral populations are reproducing and have become established outside of cultivation. These observations have important implications for the ecology and management of native and weedy species, as well as for the management of biotech products in the U.S.”

Once a GM crop is released it cannot be unreleased, and there are no systems in place to prevent genetic contamination through pollen flow, spills or human error. Although the GM plants found by the roadside are assumed to be the result of escaped seeds during transportation, the GM plants found away from roads suggest that the plants are taking on a life of their own.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Ruth R.

4:53AM PST on Feb 24, 2012

Monsanto is trasspassung according to the other article, so monsanto is not legal.

send a green star

Dawn M.

1:03PM PDT on Oct 21, 2011

Thanks for the article Melissa.

"Once a GM crop is released it cannot be unreleased, and there are no systems in place to prevent genetic contamination..." This is so ominous! GMO labeling is helpful but crop containment, if possible, needs to be mandated. Personally, I'd prefer the elimination of these toxic organisms all together.

I've read that the government will allow GMO grasses and crops to be planted in national wildlife refuges and parks. The Organic Consumers Association archives GM news on their site here:

http://www.organicconsumers.org/archives/GE_2011.cfm

Carole R.

4:06PM PDT on Oct 19, 2011

I am not at all surprised this has happened. How scary.

Joan S.

11:05AM PDT on Oct 17, 2011

this is just wrong

Tim C.

10:22AM PDT on Oct 17, 2011

Thanks for your article.
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/a-u-ok-u-a-luck-help-care2-make-different/ Would you read it please.
Thank you.

Faith B.

8:31AM PDT on Oct 17, 2011

thanks for the article!

Nicole B.

7:53AM PDT on Oct 17, 2011

This is stuff of my nightmares as well

Jennifer C.

5:18PM PDT on Oct 16, 2011

Good reading. Thanks for this excellent article.

Elizabeth P.

10:21AM PDT on Mar 26, 2011

There are better biodegradable and safer sprays, you can make one out of vingar,hot pepper sauce, Go on line to an Organic gardening site, you can fine much safer stuff to use for the environment and yourself. Come on Charles you can do better than that. Have a great day.

James E.

5:33AM PST on Feb 26, 2011

"Once a GM crop is released it cannot be unreleased, and there are no systems in place to prevent genetic contamination through pollen flow, spills or human error."

Greed (corporate profits) trumps safety and common sense, again.