Rationalizing the isolation distance needed for field trials involving genetically modified rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) in China

Abstract

The isolation distance required for field trials of genetically modified (GM) rapeseed varies widely worldwide, with a 50–400 m distance in most nations contrasting with a minimum 1000-m isolation distance in China. The goal of this study was to evaluate the relevance of current regulations in China regarding the isolation distance needed for GM rapeseed trials. A pollen flow experiment was conducted based on the design of concentric circles, with the GM plants in a 20-m diameter circle at the centre, surrounded by non-GM plants to a distance 60 m from the perimeter of the circle containing GM plants. The rate of pollen flow was the highest at the isolation distance of 0.5 m, where it ranged from 2.3091% to 2.6711%. The general pattern of the pollen flow rate (y) with distance (x) was well described by the equation y = 1.3936x-0.9136 (R 2 = 0.9950). The long-distance pollen flow tested at the isolation distance of 800 m was 0.0018%, which agrees with the theoretical prediction. The results suggested that 300 m, rather than 1000 m, is a reasonable distance to ensure a tolerable threshold of pollen flow (less than 0.01%) under conditions of winter rapeseed production in China.