Advice on the import and processing of GM maize MZIR260

COGEM was asked to advise on the potential environmental risks of import and processing of genetically modified (GM) maize MZIR260. Maize MZIR260 was produced by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, and produces the eCry1Gb.1Ig protein, a chimera of the Cry1Gb and Cry1Ig proteins, which confers resistance to certain susceptible lepidopteran insects. Additionally, MZIR260 produces the enzyme phosphomannose isomerase (PMI). PMI was used as a selectable marker in the development of MZIR260 maize and enables the plant cells to utilize mannose as a primary carbon source.
In the Netherlands, feral maize populations have never been observed and the appearance of volunteers – maize not deliberately planted – is rare. In the Netherlands, the wild relative of maize, teosinte, is not present in the natural environment, hybridization of GM maize with other species is therefore impossible.
The molecular characterisation of maize MZIR260 meets the criteria of COGEM, and no indications for potential environmental risks were identified. There are no indications that the introduced traits will allow GM maize MZIR260 to survive in the Dutch environment.
COGEM is of the opinion that import and processing of maize MZIR260 poses a negligible risk to the environment in the Netherlands.