Methods for Risk Assessment of Transgenic Plants

The present work was initiated in autumn 1991, with the aim to compile a catalogue of test methods useful for the risk assessment of transgenic plants, hereafter synonymously referred to as gene tically modified plants (GMP). The steering group decided that the methods included in the catalogue should be based on recent litera ture with the main emphasis on competition, establishment, and eco system effects. The main user groups for the catalogue are scientists and students working in plant ecology and risk assessment and ad ministrators with responsibility for the legislation of transgenic plants. A broad range of ecological and genetic methods in contem porary use has been included in the catalogue. It is our hope that the present work will also be useful as a reference for experimental research in general plant population ecology and genetics. Most of the methods covered in the catalogue do indeed originate from these research fields. We would like to thank the members of the steering group, Hans Erik Svart and Smen Mark Jensen from the National Forest and Nature Agency, and Kaj Juhl Madsen from the Danish Environmen tal Protection Agency for their support and assistance in initiating this work, and for valuable comments during its preparation. Several people gave highly valuable technical assistance: Lilian Mex J0rgensen, Lone M0ller, Anna Marie Plejdrup, Karsten Rasmussen and Bodil Thestrup. Caroline Burke, Winnie Meilstrup, and Lone Th0gersen generously helped in correcting the language. Kathe M0gelvang is acknowledged for the drawing on the front cover.

Texte du rabat

The present book is a compilation of current test methods useful in risk assessment of transgenic plants. It is intended to aid the environmental researcher in finding and comparing relevant methods quickly and easily. It may also be used as a general reference work for field-ecologists, laboratory- biologists and others working in plant population biology and genetics. The major processes affecting the fate of plants are covered with emphasis on invasion, competition and establishment, e.g., seed dispersal, density-dependent competition, and plant growth. Ecosystem effects and genetic structure are also covered. For each process a number of relevant test methods have been selected; in total, 84 methods for field, greenhouse or laboratory research are included, employing 51 key processwords. Each method is described and evaluated briefly and succinctly, and there are comments on assumptions, restrictions, advantages, and applications. An extensive bibliography provides entry into the scientific background, and cross references make it possible quickly to find all relevant sources. Methods to study pollination and gene transfer will be considered in a future volume.

Contenu

1. Introduction.- 2. Levels and corresponding processes.- 3. List of processes with corresponding methods.- 4. List of methods with corresponding processes.- 5. Synopsis of processes and recommended methods.- 6. List of the methods and their description.- 7. Conclusion: Suggestions and conclusions on general procedures and methodologies with examples included.- 8. References.- 9. Subject index.