What is the likelihood cross-pollination of biotech and non-biotech varieties will occur?
The answer varies with the crop and environmental conditions. If non-biotech varieties are growing in proximity to biotech varieties, then a number of crop-related factors influence the likelihood of cross-pollination, such as pollen size, which affects the distance pollen travels in wind-pollinated crops; pollen competition, which is a function of the relative amount of pollen the two varieties produce; and the mode of pollination – wind, insect or both. The relevant environmental factors include wind speed and direction, presence of barriers between fields, percent relative humidity and temperature.
Related Questions
- Does pollination of a non-biotech crop by a biotech variety affect the safety of food derived from the non-biotech crop?
- Can cross-pollination occur between crops derived through biotechnology and wild, native plants?
- What is the likelihood cross-pollination of biotech and non-biotech varieties will occur?
