title: Physiological biosafety assessment of genetically modified canola on weed (Avena sativa).
abstract: The present study was carried out for the assessment of physiological biosafety and effects of genetically modified (GM) canola on Avena sativa, which is a common weed plant of South Asia. Methanolic extracts of GM and non-GM canola were assessed on seed germination and growth of A. sativa under sterilized conditions. The extracts were treated with 3%, 5%, and 10% concentrations of methanol. Results showed that the extract of GM canola increases the number of roots and root fresh weight. However, root length was significantly decreased. Similarly, a significant rate of increase was observed in shoot fresh weight and shoot length of A. sativa by treatment of GM canola. Emergence percentage, germination index, and emergence rate index show a significant effect of decrease when treated with GM canola.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Kashmala
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Syed
authors.affiliation: Department of Biotechnology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islam-abad, Pakistan shinwari@qau.edu.pk.
authors.forename: Zabta Khan
authors.initials: ZK
authors.lastname: Shinwari
mesh_terms: D018554:Avena / Q000187:drug effects*; D029741:Brassica rapa / Q000737:chemistry*; D018525:Germination / Q000187:drug effects; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D057685:Plant Weeds / Q000187:drug effects*; D030821:Plants, Genetically Modified / Q000737:chemistry*; D012449:Safety; D058728:Weed Control / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*
chemical_list: D010936:Plant Extracts
keywords: Avena sativa; Genetically modified canola; physiological and biosafety assessment