Transport chains and seed spillage of potential GM crops with relatives in te Netherlands

At the request of the Netherlands Commission on Genetic Modification (COGEM) a study was conducted on the transport chains of potential genetically modified (GM) crops. The aim of the research was to improve understanding of the transport chains of seeds (and plants) in the Netherlands, in order to better estimate the likelihood of feral populations arising as a result of spillage during transhipment and transport op-erations. There was particular focus on rape (Brassica napus), because seeds of this species are imported in vast quantities, while at the same time it occurs as a wild plant in the Netherlands.