Is gene flow an issue with Golden Rice?
While the chances of out-crossing to non-transgenic rice are very low (but not zero) the relevant issue is what effect the genes would have if outcrossing occurred. No selective advantage for the recipient plants would be expected from the outcrossing of the carotenoid genes from Golden Rice. Let’s not forget that practically all plants produce carotenoids, hence no new chemical compound is being introduced into the environment. Research at IRRI (SS Virmani and HL Sharma) and many other studies have demonstrated that the chance of out-crossing from currently cultivated rice species is very low as these varieties are essentially self-pollinating. Moreover, rice pollen is only viable for 3-5 minutes. Where this might be an issue, the likelihood of outcrossing can be reduced significantly by appropriate measures such as staggered flowering dates and by observing recommended distances to other rice fields. While the chances of outcrossing to non-transgenic rice and wild species are very lo
While the chances of outcrossing to non-transgenic rice are very low (but not zero) the relevant issue is what effect the genes would have if outcrossing occurred. No selective advantage for the recipient plants would be expected from the carotenoid genes from Golden Rice, especially since practically all plants produce carotenoids and hence no new chemical compound is being introduced into the environment. Without a selective advantage the introgressed genes would be quickly diluted in the population. Research at IRRI (SS Virmani and HL Sharma) and many other studies have demonstrated that the chance of outcrossing from cultivated rice species is very low, as these varieties are essentially self-pollinating. Moreover, rice pollen is only viable for 3-5 minutes. Where this might be an issue, the likelihood of outcrossing can be reduced significantly by appropriate measures such as staggered flowering dates and by observing recommended distances to other rice fields.
