Detection of airborne genetically modified maize pollen by real-time PCR.
The cultivation of genetically modified (GM) crops has raised numerous concerns in the European Union and other parts of the world about their environmental and economic impact. Especially outcrossing of genetically modified organisms (GMO) was from the beginning a critical issue as airborne pollen has been considered an important way of GMO dispersal. Here, we investigate the use of airborne pollen sampling combined with microscopic analysis and molecular PCR analysis as an approach to monitor GM maize cultivations in a specific area. Field trial experiments in the European Union and South America demonstrated the applicability of the approach under different climate conditions, in rural and semi-urban environment, even at very low levels of airborne pollen. The study documents in detail the sampling of GM pollen, sample DNA extraction and real-time PCR analysis. Our results suggest that this 'GM pollen monitoring by bioaerosol sampling and PCR screening' approach might represent an useful aid in the surveillance of GM-free areas, centres of origin and natural reserves.
Molecular Biology and Genomics Unit, European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Institute for Health and Consumer Protection, via E. Fermi 2749, I-21027 Ispra, VA, Italy.
Silvia
S
Folloni
Dafni-Maria
DM
Kagkli
Bojan
B
Rajcevic
Nilson C C
NC
Guimarães
Bart
B
Van Droogenbroeck
Fernando H
FH
Valicente
Guy
G
Van den Eede
Marc
M
Van den Bulcke
D005062:European Union; D008853:Microscopy / Q000379:methods; D008967:Molecular Biology / Q000379:methods; D052638:Particulate Matter / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D030821:Plants, Genetically Modified; D011058:Pollen / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics*; D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013020:South America; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods; D003313:Zea mays / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics*
D052638:Particulate Matter