Japanese Journal of Crop Science
Online ISSN : 1349-0990
Print ISSN : 0011-1848
ISSN-L : 0011-1848
Review
Weed Problems in Importing and Exporting Countries of Genetically Modified Crops
Kazuhito MatsuoYasuyuki Yoshimura
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2015 Volume 84 Issue 1 Pages 1-8

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Abstract

Genetically modified (GM) crops are grown on 175 million hectares in 27 countries in the world today. GM herbicide-tolerant (HT) crops were first commercially cultivated on a large scale in 1996 due to their potential economic benefits, but two problems have arisen: HT weeds and feral GM HT crop populations in new habitats. Both problems are clearly the product of cultivation and transport of GM HT crops. The two most widely planted GM HT crops contain genes conferring glyphosate tolerance or glufosinate tolerance. Excessive reliance on these two herbicides has encouraged weeds to evolve resistance. Such herbicide resistance has been reported in many countries cultivating GM crops, particularly in GM mega-countries including the U.S. There are many reports worth reading about herbicide resistance in these countries. Some researchers have recommended effective strategies to minimize the development of resistance, including focusing on growers’ awareness and practices. On the other hand, some importing countries have reported feral GM-HT crop populations originating from imported seeds that were spilled during transport. The evidence, to date, indicates that feral GM-HT oilseed rape populations do not have any advantages compared with non-GM oilseed rape populations. However, to benefit from the next generation of GM crops with stacked traits and abiotic stress tolerance, we must continue efforts to improve management systems with GM crops.

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© 2015 by The Crop Science Society of Japan
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