More yellow in the spring:
Oilseed rape cultivation is increasing

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The breakthrough for oilseed rape cultivation came with new varieties. When plant breeders succeeded in removing two unwanted substances, rape cultivation suddenly became attractive. Today, oilseed rape provides not only tasty, digestible cooking oils, but also increasingly biofuels. Within a few years the area under cultivation has increased several times over. But a great deal of agricultural effort is needed to attain adequate yields. Using genetic engineering methods, scientists have transferred a gene from a soil bacterium to maize. This maize produces a Bt toxin – an agent that kills the caterpillars of the European corn borer.

Background

• Boost from double-zero rape: New possibilities for farming
• Renewable raw materials: Biodiesel leads to more rape cultivation
• Rape oil: Promotion to high-quality cooking oil
• Oilseed rape in agriculture: Yields, weeds, pests

 

GM oilseed rape: Still no cultivation in Europe

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Genetically modified oilseed rape has been cultivated in Canada for years. In Europe, the planting of GM rape has been limited to field trials. As yet, no genetically modified rape varieties are available. The main focus at the moment is on herbicide resistance as a new trait. There could also be an interest in modified oil qualities in the near future.

Background

• GM rape: Deliberate releases, authorisations, cultivation

 

Herbicide-resistant GM oilseed rape: A threat to species diversity?

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The cultivation of herbicide-resistant GM plants could have a negative impact on the species diversity of agricultural ecosystems. This key statement in a study commissioned by the British government triggered heated discussions about the future of genetically modified crops in Europe. A large number of trial fields were evaluated – including some on which GM rape had been cultivated.

Background

• Herbicide resistance concept and agricultural biodiversity: Fewer weeds, fewer butterflies

• "Taking a more differentiated view." Interview with Bernd Hommel; BBA Kleinmachnow