• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.157-163
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• 2001

Introgression from genetically modified plants (GMPs) may be dependent on the genetic similarity to wild relative plants. In Korea, many wild plant species are botanically related to the cultivated plants that have a potential to be genetically transformed. The controversy for hazards of GMPs is continuing because the studies on gene flow or introgression are little. Based on the systematic criteria, we have surveyed Korean wild plant species that showed the similarity to cultivating crops. The consideration for feasibility of genetic pollution (introgression of transgene) is necessary for the successful accomplishment in the practical use of GMPs. Although the detrimental effects of GMPs on wild relatives have not been clearly verified, Korean wild plant species related to crop plant (potential GMP) have to be investigated with respect to the introgression. Korean flora consists of ca. 5,500 species. Among them, 1,448 species are classified as weed species (966 native, 325 naturalized, and 167 escaped ones), which is vulnerable to GMPs in term of introgression. We suggested the principal Korean wild plants related to major crops that might be affected by GMPs via introgression. The investigated species herein are selected based on the morphological and phenological relationship. It is necessary to verify the genetic relationship between cultivated plants and wild relatives sing more precise molecular techniques, which provide the information of likelihood for the introgression of transgene.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.185-193
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• 2020

The number of commercially approved gene-edited crops is gradually increasing, and in South Korea, it has led to intense investment in gene-edited crop development to increase international competitiveness. However, as with genetically modified crops, the safety of gene-edited crops regarding unexpected risks for humans and the environment is subject to an ongoing debate. In particular, unintentional "off-target effects" have become the center of controversy. In this review, we discuss typical plant characteristics (including somatic variation and ploidy), the extent of various off-target effects in genetically modified crops generated via horizontal transfer in nature, and the off-target effects in commercial genetically modified crops. We conclude that most off-target effects possibly occurring in gene-edited crops are not expected to be critically harmful to humans or the environment. Therefore, existing regulation for genetically modified crops should be enough for the risk assessment of gene-edited crops.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Crop Science Conference
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• 2001.05a
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• pp.24-29
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• 2001

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Crop Science Conference
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• 2001.05a
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• pp.14-23
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• 2001

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Crop Science Conference
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• 2001.05a
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• pp.2-13
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• 2001

• Proceedings of the National Institute of Ecology of the Republic of Korea
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.83-89
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• 2020

Methods for detecting the presence of genetically modified (GM) crops are evolving to comply with legislation and to enhance monitoring by biotechnology companies and regulators. In order to cover a broad range of detection methods for a new GM crop, conventional multiplex PCR methods are required. Based on the genetic information on three GM alfalfa varieties (J101, J163, and KK179), which were recently approved in South Korea, we developed a fast, reliable, and highly specific multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method with basic PCR equipment and inexpensive reagents. To validate and verify the newly developed multiplex PCR method, we applied a limit of detection assay and random reference material analysis. We also monitored the unintentional environmental release of GM alfalfa in South Korea by performing the multiplex PCR analysis with 91 feral alfalfa specimens collected from 2000 to 2018. Our methodology is a sensitive, simple, quick, and inexpensive tool for detecting and identifying three GM alfalfa varieties.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.215-220
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• 2016

The global cultivation area of genetically modified crops (GM crops) has been increasing every year. Cultivation of GM crops is not only beneficial to the economy but also has positive effects on the environment in decreasing the use of agrochemicals, chemical fertilizers, and agricultural machinery. However, there have been controversies about the admixture of GM crops and non-GM crops and the unintentional release of GM crops to the environment. Especially in Korea, where consumption of agricultural products is import-dependent, the economic importance of GM crops has been a significant issue. The Act on import and distribution of GM crops was established in 2001 to start the management of GM crops in Korea. Recently, the imported amount of GM crops to Korea has reached over 10 million tons and is increasing very rapidly; consequently, the potential environmental impact of GM crops is becoming a big issue in Korea. In Japan, the discovery of imported GM canola plants around ports in 2005 raised awareness of the unintentional release of GM crops. In Korea, GM maize plants were also found in port and feed factory surroundings from 2005 to 2007. It is now necessary to monitor imported GM crops by tracing distribution, transport process for practical environmental risk assessment. Possible gene transfer from GM crops to non-GM crops should also be investigated in the cultivation area and the surroundings as well.

• Weed & Turfgrass Science
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• v.3 no.3
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• pp.221-224
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• 2014

Genetically modified (GM) crops are not permitted to be cultivated in Korea, but can only be imported as food or feed purposes. The import of GM crops has sharply increased in recent years, thus raising concerns with regard to the unintentional escape of these crops during transport and manufacturing as well as the subsequent contamination of local, non-GM plants. Hence, monitoring of GM crops was studied in or outside of grain receiving ports as well as from feed-processing plants in Korea during July 2008. We observed spilled maize grains and established plants primarily in storage facilities that are exposed around the harbors and near transportation routes of the feed-processing areas. Based on the PCR analyses, a total of 17 GM maize plants and 11 seeds were found among the samples. In most cases, the established maize plants found in this study were at the vegetative stage and thus failed to reach the reproductive stage. This study concludes that, in order to prevent a genetic admixture in the local environment for GM crops or seeds, frequent monitoring work and proper action should be taken.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Crop Science Conference
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• 2000.11a
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• pp.98-99
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• 2000

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Crop Science Conference
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• 2020.06a
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• pp.147-147
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• 2020