Monday, November 5, 2007
82-3

Gmo Analysis and Its Role in Crop Development.

Warren Lee, Wes Marchione, Stephen Novak, Manju Gupta, Cory Cui, Thomas Greene, and Steve Thompson. Dow AgroSciences, Dow Agrosciences, 9330 Zionsville Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46268

Global scrutiny of the genes in food chain originating from genetically modified organisms has increased the level of importance to determine the presence of the genes of interest (purity) and the absence of unintended genes (quality) in germplasm. The general public, in light of several recent unintended releases of GM traits into the environment, demands improved methods of tracking regulated and unregulated genes in crop systems. This is of even greater importance as authorities create rules to regulate or restrict the movement of plant and plant material into, and out of, their respective countries and regions. Plant material and seed in particular, is regulated to limit the inadvertent release of genetically modified traits that could potentially harm non-target organisms. Dow AgroSciences LLC has taken a proactive approach to determine the quality and purity of their germplasm in light of these regulations and the industry's commitment to product stewardship. Here, we describe a GMO testing strategy and procedure for the development of crop lines. We focus on the GMO testing method, assay stringency and criteria for implementation into a seed program. Implementation of our GMO testing program highlights Dow AgroSciences' commitment to product development and stewardship, and helps to ensure a high level of purity and quality with our products in the marketplace.