Assessing invasiveness of genetically modified soybean expressing human epidermal growth factor gene = 인간 상피성장인자 유전자 발현 유전자변형 콩의 생태계 침입성 평가

Abstract

The invasiveness or weediness of genetically modified (GM) crops is considered as one of the major environmental concerns regarding the cultivation of these crops. This study was conducted to evaluate whether three events of GM soybeans expressing human epidermal growth factor gene (egf , igf-1 , or trx ) can persist in the environment without cultivation management and to determine the viability of their seeds buried in soil. Seeds of GM and non-GM soybean were sown in June 2017, and the number of soybean plants grown in the plots was counted. During the study period, water and pest management were not applied in the plots. Both GM and non-GM soybean plants were able to grow and produce seeds; however, they maintained their populations only for up to 17 months. The GM and non-GM soybean seeds were buried in November 2017, and their viability was measured 4, 6, 8, and 10 months after seed burial. Both GM and non-GM soybean seeds were able to overwinter. However, they lost viability within 6 months. GM and non-GM soybeans could not be successfully established in the environment, and short-lived soybean seeds could form only a transient soil seed bank. Therefore, GM soybean events are highly unlikely to become invasive plants or weeds in the ecosystem.