Abstract Detail

Transgenic crops: Science, policy, politics

Ortiz-García, Sol [1], Ezcurra, Exequiel [1].

Transgenic maize in Mexico: risks and reality.

Mexico is a center of origin for several crops, and among these, maize plays an extremely important biological, economic, and cultural role in the country. More than 60 landraces of creole (locally adapted varieties) have been recognized in Mexico, and the southern part of country harbors wild relatives of maize. The environmental release of transgenic corn in Mexico could involve the occurrence of gene flow among genetically modified individuals and local varieties or wild relatives. There has been controversial evidence for the presence of transgenic constructions of maize in local populations in Oaxaca, Mexico. The National Institute of Ecology (INE) and the National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity (CONABIO) are involved in research to corroborate or refute claims of the presence of transgenic maize in Mexico. Ears of corn have been collected from several localities where transgenic bulked samples had been reported, and from other localities in the region. ELISA, PCR and Southern blot tests were performed on individual seedlings. To date, our results confirm the presence of transgenic sequences but further studies are being conducted for more detailed corroboration and to establish the particular events of transformation. Traditional agricultural practices, such as open exchange of seeds among farmers, are still common in regions of high maize diversity, and have contributed in the past to maintain and enhance this diversity. The same practices, however, could make it difficult to prevent or control transgenic maize from spreading into traditional landraces. The possible consequences of gene flow still have to be evaluated according to the introduced gene and the particular environment where different biological and cultural interactions occur.

1 - Instituto Nacional de Ecología, Periférico Sur 5000, Col. Insurgentes Cuicuilco, México D.F. 04530, México.

Keywords: agriculture, diversity, gene flow, maize, transgenic.
Abstract ID:365

Presentation Type: Symposium
Session: 8-4
Location: MCC, 204A
Date: Monday, July 28th, 2003
Time: 2:15 PM