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9 October 2003
Friends of the Earth called for GM oilseed rape to be banned from the UK as new evidence reveals widespread cross breeding with wild flowers.
The paper [1], published in the journal Science today, presents research into the hybridisation of oilseed rape and its relative wild turnip or bargeman's cabbage.
The researchers found that cross breeding between the crop and its relatives continued for at least 3,000 metres from the nearest oilseed rape field and the rate of hybridisation declined very slowly. They estimate that more than 3,2000 hybrids would be created every year along rivers and 17,000 in arable areas (where the wild turnip is less common). River banks where bargeman's cabbage is most common are the main place for the hybrids.
Commenting on this story, Friends of the Earth Real Food Campaigner Pete Riley said:
"This research shows that oilseed rape and wild turnip frequently cross-breed over a wide area and this means that GM traits will rapidly find their way into wild plants. The long-term consequences of this for agriculture and wildlife are difficult to predict, so if we allowed the commercial growing of oilseed rape, we would be starting a huge outdoor experiment. The Government has no other choice than to ban GM oilseed rape and keep Britain GM-free".
1. M.J.Wilkinson et al, 2003. Hybridisation between Brassica napus and B.rapa on a National Scale in the United Kingdom, Science 9 October 2003
See www.sciencexpress.org/9October/page 1/10.1126/science.1088200
For further information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.
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