Model-based calculating tool for pollen-mediated gene flow frequencies in plants

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Ecology
• Genetics

Background:

• Transgene flow from genetically engineered (GE) crops raises biosafety concerns regarding socio-economic and environmental impacts.
• Assessing transgene flow frequencies is crucial for evaluating these impacts, alongside transgene expression and fitness in hybrids.
• Pollen-mediated gene flow (PMGF) is commonly estimated via field experiments or mathematical modeling, each with limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a user-friendly tool for calculating PMGF frequencies.
• To facilitate the practical application of PMGF modeling for transgene flow estimation.
• To support biosafety assessments and coexistence strategies for GE crops.

Main Methods:

• Developed a calculating tool based on a quasi-mechanistic PMGF model for wind-pollinated species.
• Integrated an easy-operating interface for quick calculations.
• Included biological and wind speed parameters measurable in field or laboratory settings.

Main Results:

• The tool calculates PMGF frequencies for various plant species under different environmental conditions.
• Case studies with rice, wheat, and maize showed calculated frequencies aligning with published data.
• The tool is freely available in the public domain.

Conclusions:

• This PMGF calculating tool aids in assessing and monitoring socio-economic and environmental impacts of transgene flow.
• It is valuable for determining isolation distances between GE and non-GE crops for coexistence.
• The tool supports maintaining the purity of certified seeds by defining appropriate isolation distances.