Abstract

MARQUEZ-HERNANDEZ, Cándido et al. Detection of CP4 EPSPS protein in weed flora in transgenic cotton (Gossypium birsutum) crops in Comarca Lagunera, México. Agrociencia [online]. 2015, vol.49, n.7, pp.739-747. ISSN 2521-9766.

Gene flow can appear among wild and cultivated plant species. The interactions among cotton (Gossypium birsutum), weed flora and the Malvacea family are not exceptions. There are evidences of gene flow among genetically modified crops and wild plants. The probability of greater gene flow in transgenic cotton has increased, given that it has been sown in the area during 18 years. The objective of the present study was to detect the presence of the CP4 EPSPS protein in weed flora in transgenic cotton crops in Coahuila and Durango, Mexico. In Durango and Coahuila 15 and 20 weed species of 10 botanical families were obtained: Amaranthaceae, Asteraceae, Chenopodiaceae, Convolvulaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Malvaceae, Nyctaginaceae, Poaceae and Solanaceae; eight of these were found in both states. Malvastrum coromandelianu, Sphaeralcea angustifolia, Anoda cristata and Sida hederaceae are species of the Malvaceae family and were identified in the Comarca Lagunera. The CP4 EPSPS protein was not detected in weed plants present in the agrosystem of transgenic cotton in the Comarca Lagunera.

Keywords : Genetically modified organisms; transgenic proteins; biodiversity; floristic lists; cross contamination; gene flow.