A review on interspecific gene flow from oilseed rape to wild relatives.

Abstract

One of the main concerns about the commercial release of transgenic crops is the likelihood of transgene spread from cultivated species into wild relatives. This question is relevant for oilseed rape/canola (Brassica napus, AACC, 2n=38), as this species is partially allogamous with several wild relatives that are often sympatric with oilseed rape production. A workshop sponsored by the European Science Foundation (11-13 June 2001, Rennes, France) was held: (i) to identify the main weeds present in European and North American countries; (ii) to review results on the ability of oilseed rape to hybridize and backcross with wild relatives; (iii) to review the usefulness and limitations of the tools available for monitoring interspecific hybridization and gene introgression; and (iv) to provide recent results on modelling of gene flow.