Project Title:

Predicting the impact of coexistence-guided genetically modified (GM) cropping on Irish biodiversity

Funding:

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA-ERTDI Research Programme)

Project duration:

This project is now finished and a final report is being prepared for publication. Peer reviewed publications generated from this work are available for viewing through the Research page of gmoInfo.

Project participants:

Teagasc Oak Park

Maynooth NUI

University College Cork

Project objectives:

• The collation and assessment of pre-existing research data which describes the impact of conventional crop production on Irish levels of biodiversity
• An assessment of how the proposed National Co-existence Strategy will affect the agri-environment for each of the 5 crops to considered in the study
• The collation and assessment of pre-existing (international) research data and conclusions which describe the biodiversity impact of GM crop cultivation but which are comparable to Irish cropping systems/environment
• An assessment of which GM traits are most suited to Ireland’s agricultural systems and hence have the highest probability of adoption by the tillage sector
• The development of an internet-based information system (www.gmoinfo.ie) which will facilitate the dissemination of results and pertinent information gathered during the course of the project

Research abstract:

Following the approval of 17 genetically modified crops (GM) crops in 2004 for cultivation across the EU, it it evident that future crop management systems will be reliant upon the implementation of effective coexistence plans for both novel and established crop systems. From an Irish context, a key requirement for the development of coexistence regimes which effectively prevent any adverse effects on biodiversity, will be to increase our knowledge of biodiversity impacts resulting from gene flow between a GM crop and inter-related wild species in the Irish flora

Hence, the goal of this project is:

1. To significantly improve our understanding of the actual rates of gene flow arising from existing and future Irish GM cropping systems and more significantly,
2. The likely consequences for biodiversity conservation of such gene flow

By collating and processing information from national and international GM-based studies, the gene flow-based impacts of GM crop cultivation on Irish biodiversity will be predicted. This information will assist future research and policy decision-making regarding relationships between biodiversity and GM crop cultivation in Ireland

Results:

Upon completion of this project, all datasets will be collated and the research findings submitted for publication in peer reviewed scientific journals. Once the scientific merit of the results has been validated, they will be available for your information on gmoInfo.