Import and processing of genetically modified oilseed rape MS11xRF3
- The present application (EFSA/GMO/NL/2017/143) concerns the authorisation for import and processing for use in food and feed and other products (containing or consisting) of genetically modified (GM) oilseed rape MS11xRF3;
- Oilseed rape MS11xRF3 was produced by conventional crossbreeding of the two GM parental lines;
- Oilseed rape MS11xRF3 expresses genes of a pollination control system, i.e. the barnase gene (present in MS11) which confers male sterility and two copies of the barstar gene (present in MS11 and RF3) which restores male fertility. It also expresses two copies of the bar gene (present in MS11 and RF3), which confers tolerance to glufosinate-ammonium containing herbicides;
- Feral oilseed rape populations occur across the Netherlands, with a small number of plants (25 or less) per location, along distribution routes and handling areas as a result of spillage of oilseed rape seeds during transport and transshipment;
- Oilseed rape can hybridise with Brassica rapa which is a common plant along Dutch roadsides. To a lesser extent it can also hybridise with Brassica juncea and Brassica oleracea;
- Stable incorporation (introgression) of genes from B. napus into wild populations of B. rapa and B. napus may be possible;
- There are no indications that the introduced traits alter the fitness of oilseed rape MS11xRF3. Herbicide tolerance gives the plant advantage in places where glufosinate-ammonium herbicides are used for weed control;
- The molecular characterisation and bioinformatic analyses of MS11xRF3 have been updated and meet the criteria of COGEM;
- Oilseed rape MS11xRF3 itself does not pose a risk to the environment in the Netherlands;
- There are no indications that the introduced traits alter the fitness of oilseed rape MS11xRF3 under natural conditions, except in places where glufosinate-ammonium herbicides are used for weed control;
- In the long term, prolonged use of herbicides may lead to the establishment of feral GM B. napus, including plants with stacked events, or feral GM B. rapa harbouring GM traits like herbicide tolerance;
- The monitoring plan does not meet the minimal requirements for, import and processing of GM oilseed rape for use in food and feed and should include monitoring along transport routes (including roadsides and railway beddings) and transshipment areas;
- Because of the insufficient monitoring plan COGEM cannot advise positively on the application, import and processing of MS11xRF3 oil seed rape for use in food and feed.