Fitness of hybrids between rapeseed (Brassica napus) and wild Brassica rapa in natural habitats

Allainguillaume, J.; Alexander, M.; Bullock, J. M.; Saunders, M.; Allender, C. J.; King, G.; Ford, C. S.; Wilkinson, M. J.

Abstract

Fitness of hybrids between genetically modified (GM) crops and wild relatives influences the likelihood of ecological harm. We measured fitness components in spontaneous (non-GM) rapeseed x Brassica rapa hybrids in natural populations. The F1 hybrids yielded 46.9% seed output of B. rapa, were 16.9% as effective as males on B. rapa and exhibited increased self-pollination. Assuming 100% GM rapeseed cultivation, we conservatively predict < 7000 second-generation transgenic hybrids annually in the United Kingdom (i.e. ∼20% of F1 hybrids). Conversely, whilst reduced hybrid fitness improves feasibility of bio-containment, stage projection matrices suggests broad scope for some transgenes to offset this effect by enhancing fitness. © 2006 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Apr 1, 2006
• Journal: Molecular Ecology
• Print ISSN: 0962-1083
• Electronic ISSN: 1365-294X
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 15
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 1175-1184
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-294X.2006.02856.x
• Keywords: brassica napus, brassica rapa, fitness, gene flow, genetically modified crops, wild relatives
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1042908
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-294X.2006.02856.x