Detection of transgenes in local maize varieties of small-scale farmers in eastern cape, South Africa.

ABSTRACT: Small-scale subsistence farmers in South Africa have been introduced to genetically modified (GM) crops for more than a decade. Little is known about i) the extent of transgene introgression into locally recycled seed, ii) what short and long-term ecological and socioeconomic impacts such mixing of seeds might have, iii) how the farmers perceive GM crops, and iv) to what degree approval conditions are followed and controlled. This study conducted in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, aims primarily at addressing the first of these issues. We analysed for transgenes in 796 individual maize plants (leaves) and 20 seed batches collected in a village where GM insect resistant maize was previously promoted and grown as part of an governmental agricultural development program over a seven year peri

SUBMITTER: Iversen M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4281112 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature