title: DTREEv2, a computer-based support system for the risk assessment of genetically modified plants.
abstract: Risk assessment of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) remains a contentious area and a major factor influencing the adoption of agricultural biotech. Methodologically, in many countries, risk assessment is conducted by expert committees with little or no recourse to databases and expert systems that can facilitate the risk assessment process. In this paper we describe DTREEv2, a computer-based decision support system for the identification of hazards related to the introduction of GM-crops into the environment. DTREEv2 structures hazard identification and evaluation by means of an Event-Tree type of analysis. The system produces an output flagging identified hazards and potential risks. It is intended to be used for the preparation and evaluation of biosafety dossiers and, as such, its usefulness extends to researchers, risk assessors and regulators in government and industry.
authors.affiliation: VIB, Institute of Plant Biotechnology Outreach, Technologiepark 3, B-9052 Gent, Belgium; Ghent University, Department Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Institute of Plant Biotechnology Outreach, Technologiepark 3, B-9052 Gent, Belgium. Electronic address: ine.pertry@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Ine
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Pertry
authors.affiliation: Vienna University of Technology, Department of Geodesy and Geoinformation, Guβhausstraβe 27-29, 1040 Vienna, Austria; 4D-IT GmbH, Emil-Kögler-Gasse 13, A-2511 Pfaffstätten, Austria.
authors.forename: Clemens
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Nothegger
authors.affiliation: Sweet Environmental Consultants, 6 Green Street, Cambridge CB24 5JA, UK.
authors.forename: Jeremy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sweet
authors.affiliation: Formerly RIKILT Institute of Food Safety, Wageningen UR, P.O. Box 230, 6700 AE Wageningen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Harry
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kuiper
authors.affiliation: Environmental and Biochemical Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Dundee DD2 5DA, UK.
authors.forename: Howard
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Davies
authors.affiliation: VIB Headquarters, Rijvisschestraat 120, B-9052 Gent, Belgium; Inflammation Research Center, Ghent University, Research Building FSVM, Technologiepark 927, B-9052 Gent, Belgium.
authors.forename: Dirk
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Iserentant
authors.affiliation: Emeritus Fellow, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Colney, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK.
authors.forename: Roger
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hull
authors.affiliation: Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60100 Ancona, Italy.
authors.forename: Bruno
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Mezzetti
authors.affiliation: Ghent University, Department Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Institute of Plant Biotechnology Outreach, Technologiepark 3, B-9052 Gent, Belgium; Department of Applied Biosciences, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Valentin Vaerwyckweg 1, B-9000 Gent, Belgium; Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
authors.forename: Kathy
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Messens
authors.affiliation: Ghent University, Department Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Institute of Plant Biotechnology Outreach, Technologiepark 3, B-9052 Gent, Belgium; Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Burg. Van Gansberghelaan 115 bus 2, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
authors.forename: Marc
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: De Loose
authors.affiliation: VIB, Institute of Plant Biotechnology Outreach, Technologiepark 3, B-9052 Gent, Belgium; Ghent University, Department Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Institute of Plant Biotechnology Outreach, Technologiepark 3, B-9052 Gent, Belgium.
authors.forename: Dulce
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: de Oliveira
authors.affiliation: VIB, Institute of Plant Biotechnology Outreach, Technologiepark 3, B-9052 Gent, Belgium; Ghent University, Department Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Institute of Plant Biotechnology Outreach, Technologiepark 3, B-9052 Gent, Belgium.
authors.forename: Sylvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Burssens
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
authors.forename: Godelieve
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gheysen
authors.affiliation: Ghent University, Department Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Institute of Plant Biotechnology Outreach, Technologiepark 3, B-9052 Gent, Belgium.
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Tzotzos
mesh_terms: D003658:Decision Making, Computer-Assisted; D030821:Plants, Genetically Modified; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods; D012984:Software