Environmental risk assessment for experimental releases. Jeremy Sweet. JT Environmental Consultants Ltd, Cambridge CB24 5JA, UK

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1 Environmental risk assessment for experimental releases Jeremy Sweet JT Environmental Consultants Ltd, Cambridge CB24 5JA, UK

2 GM crop Field Trial Applications to CAs Competent Authorities will require an Environmental Risk Assessment Experimental field trials are considered as environmental releases which potentially provide full environmental exposure of the GM plant, Human and animal exposure should be considered Food/feed exposure does not need to be assessed unless indicated in the application or in the ERA.

3 Follow normal pattern : ERA 1. Persistence and invasiveness 2. Vertical and Horizontal Gene flow and its consequences Determine if GM plant will disperse from Expt field or remain after experiment and consequences Effects on target and non-target biota Effects on soil processes Effects of management e.g. herbicide usage

4 ERA The field trial design and location will influence the ERA The location(s) will determine what other biota are exposed to the GM plant The size and number of field trials will indicate the level of exposure. Thus even if the GM crop is predicted to have an adverse effect on certain biota or on soil nutrient cycles, the limited size of the field trial may limit any potential harm to biota.

5 Persistence and invasiveness If the GM crop has the potential to persist in the environment or to spread outside the experimental area this requires careful consideration and appropriate measures need to be introduced to prevent this happening. e.g. oilseed rape has high weediness characters : small seed, long seed survival in soil and ability for seed to be dispersed -> more likely to be spread and persist. GM traits which increase competitiveness and fitness are a greater hazard.

6 Gene flow

7 Gene flow Transgenes can disperse and spread from field trials via seed and pollen. The ERA should identify likely dispersal routes Seed dispersal from trials can be minimised by careful management before, during and after harvest.

8 Gene Flow Effects The potential for outcrossing should be assessed. - > other crops -> other species. What effects will they have : fitness etc.? Are transgenes likely to escape and : persist in environment? Spread in the environment? Example Creeping bent grass: GM Gly Tolerant Agrostis stolonifera for sports fields. Experimental seed production in Oregon State

9 GMHT Creeping Bent Grass: seed production

10 Interspecific Hybridisation with Rabbit Foot grass : Polypogon

11 ERA Focus will be on main exposure routes :- information on gene flow and dispersal characteristics -> develop containment measures to keep GM plant within the field trial area, so that hazards are restricted to this area. The Part B Application will need to describe appropriate risk management procedures to provide containment, based on the Environmental Assessment

12 Environmental Management Plan The National Authority requires a management plan for environmental protection based on the ERA. This includes : measures to restrict gene flow and prevent any adverse effects within and outside the experimental area. records and audit of all activities of the experiment, including cultivations, treatments, harvesting, sampling, disposal etc.. Security arrangements & Emergency Plan Monitoring of incidents and impacts

13 Environmental Management Plan GENE FLOW : Consider Exposure routes Seed : sown account of numbers and location Shed in field assessment of amount before and after harvest. Seed vectors : animals (wind, birds, mammals, humans incl vandals) Losses in transport transport routes and estimated losses Storage segregation and losses Disposal/Destruction of harvest samples, crop residues, residual field population volunteers/ground keepers etc

14 POLLEN Consider : Outcrossing potential : recipient compatible crops and wild relatives. Potatoes : zero in Europe, high in S/C America Maize/Corn : low potential : other Zea spp only Oilseed rape, Grass spp : several compatible wild relatives Pollen dispersal characteristics: wind/insects Grass and Beet pollen : wind : long distance, Maize/Corn: wind : short distance Oilseed rape : insect : med-long distance

15 CONTAINMENT SEED : monitoring and careful management of all stages of production, post harvest, transport and disposal to ensure minimum escape. Shed in field monitoring and destruction of residual field population volunteers/ground keepers etc Seed vectors : restrict access to trials, netting, caging, fencing etc.. Losses in transport sealed containers Storage segregation Disposal/Destruction of harvest samples, crop residues, by autoclave, burning or deep landfill

16 CONTAINMENT : POLLEN Measures : prevent flowering Flower destruction pre-pollen dehiscence Male sterility Netting to prevent pollen escape Netting to prevent insect vectors Isolate field trial from all compatible non GM crops and wild species Barriers of non GM crop, non compatible crop, fallow areas. Separation distances depend on cop : maize/corn ~50m Oilseed rape : 200m + Beet, grass : 2km +

17 ERM : MONITORING Monitor : all main activities such as : Flowering of crop and any compatible species near to field site Weather conditions during flowering Seed set, dehiscence and shed before, during and after harvest. Seed spillage on transport routes Weights of transport on despatch, arrival. Disposal Volunteers in field

18 MONITORING: Health & Safety All health issues with those working on the GM crops should be recorded and reported Some people become sensitized to pollen from certain crops: increases in sensitization should be noted

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20 SECURITY Consider attacks by vandals, objectors, activists. May require : security fences, surveillance cameras, lights, employing security company. Develop strategies and plans in concert with police. Intelligence and other info Response Plan Follow up plan to assess damage, report on any gene escape etc.

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22 Communications Strategy Develop a good communications strategy Inform all interested parties especially host farmers, neighbours and opponents Describe objectives of experiment and why it is required in advance Discuss benefits and hazards/risks Describe how risks are managed Arrange visits : first hand experience Discuss results A good strategy will supplement security

23 EMERGENCY PLAN Allows for unanticipated factors: pigs/cows/sheep/deer/badgers/people entering field trial Accidents e.g. spillage Mistakes by farm workers Activities of neighbours Extreme weather Describes actions to be taken to minimise environmental impacts and reporting requirements.

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