Jun 27, 2005

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BMVEL Research programme on Bt maize

“Over the next few years our aim is to make our trials as realistic as possible.”

The German Ministry of Consumer Protection (BMVEL) has commissioned crop trials using genetically modified plants at six different sites. The outcrossing behaviour of maize will be re-examined, and the study will also focus on the possible effects of Bt maize cultivation on biodiversity. The primary aim this year is to develop and test various methods of investigation. The actual trial programme is planned to start in 2006. - GMO Safetyspoke to Dr. Gerhard Rühl, the programme coordinator.

GMO Safety: BMVEL is launching its own research programme on Bt maize cultivation this year. What does it hope to achieve?

Gerhard Rühl: Field trials will be conducted over a number of years at various sites in Germany. There are three main areas of emphasis. First we will examine the effect of genetically modified plants on the environment and biodiversity. Then we want to see how the coexistence of genetically modified and conventional crops can be realized in practice. The third strand is concerned with the economic and socio-economic impacts of growing genetically modified crops.

GMO Safety: A key aspect of the programme is the protection of biodiversity. What are the main issues at stake here?

Gerhard Rühl: Our primary concern is to see whether soil life and the diversity of insects living in the field changes depending on whether genetically modified or conventional maize is grown. This year preliminary studies will be conducted at two sites to start with. The priority is to test and develop suitable methods, which will then be used in the trial programme from 2006 onwards.

GMO Safety: That sounds as if we are just starting out where Bt maize cultivation is concerned. But there is a vast amount of data about this already. A large number of research projects have been funded in Germany in recent years, which investigate the possible impacts of Bt maize on insects, butterflies, beetles, aphids and even the behaviour of the Bt toxin in the soil. Do you think there are still some unanswered questions which need further investigation?

Gerhard Rühl: I agree that extensive work has already been carried out on the subject of biodiversity. But nevertheless BMVEL believes it is desirable to examine certain aspects in the long-term as well. The ministry’s research establishments are particularly well suited for this. Unlike most project funding, which is limited to three years, this research can be conducted over extended periods of time, and at the same site if necessary. When we draw up the programme for the next few years on the basis of this year’s preliminary studies, we will also take into account the findings of the research projects funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).

GMO Safety: The research programme also aims to specify the conditions required for protecting GM-free production. What are the main issues here?

Gerhard Rühl: Outcrossing data will be gathered from various experimental set-ups. We are interested in what effect the use of intermediate areas, for example a low-growing clover and grass mixture or high-growing sunflowers, has on pollen dispersal. Measurements are taken at various distances from the pollen source. The sampling points are arranged in such a way that the data can be used to create a model of different field sizes and shapes. At some sites the trials are conducted not just with Bt maize, but also with a yellow maize/white maize system and another system where the two types of maize are distinguished with a molecular marker. This way we can test whether certain questions relating to outcrossing can be resolved using test systems which do not require the cultivation of GM crops.

GMO Safety: Why is the Bt maize not used as a marker? The white maize variant is considerably less accurate, isn’t it?

Gerhard Rühl: You’re right. But unlike molecular markers, with the coloured maize system we don’t have to develop any quantitative methods of evaluation. The aim is to find alternative test procedures for outcrossing studies. We also wanted to be better able to assess the findings of earlier studies on maize outcrossing which used coloured maize.

GMO Safety: Meanwhile crop trials in several countries have supplied a large amount of data on outcrossing behaviour for maize. This has led to recommendations for separation distances between fields of GM and conventional maize. Wouldn’t it make more sense to put this into practice and establish some good practice guidelines?

Gerhard Rühl: This is why we aim to be as realistic as possible with our trials over the next few years. But at this stage the scale of the programme is not yet clear. It depends on this year’s results and the prevailing political landscape in the years to come.

GMO Safety: Will the findings be fed into the legislative process as recommendations for action?

Gerhard Rühl: The German Genetic Engineering Act makes provision for a regulation on good practice for the cultivation of genetically modified crops. The results of the research programme should influence the content of the regulation, for example when determining minimum separation distances and other crop production measures to be followed when growing genetically modified maize adjacent to conventional maize. An examination of how best to handle genetically modified plant material in practice, during seed storage, sowing, harvesting and transportation will also be undertaken.

GMO Safety: The programme sets out to be highly transparent. How will you achieve this?

Right from the start the BMVEL regarded the research programme as part of the social discourse on genetic engineering. For this reason the researchers involved have the special task of discussing the programme with fellow scientists and involving interested associations. At the various Bt maize sites we have organised events aimed at informing not just the general public but also the local farmers and beekeepers.

GMO Safety: Thank you for talking to us.