Pollen-mediated gene flow from transgenic to non-transgenic switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) in the field.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Switchgrass is C₄ perennial grass species that is being developed as a cellulosic bioenergy feedstock. It is wind-pollinated and considered to be an obligate outcrosser. Genetic engineering has been used to alter cell walls for more facile bioprocessing and biofuel yield. Gene flow from transgenic cultivars would likely be of regulatory concern. In this study we investigated pollen-mediated gene flow from transgenic to nontransgenic switchgrass in a 3-year field experiment performed in Oliver Springs, Tennessee, U.S.A. using a modified Nelder wheel design. The planted area (0.6 ha) contained sexually compatible pollen source and pollen receptor switchgrass plants. One hundred clonal switchgrass 'Alamo' plants transgenic for an orange-fluorescent protein (OFP)

SUBMITTER: Millwood R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5414321 | biostudies-literature | 2017 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature