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Feasibility study: Detection methods for new genetic engineering are realistic
Researchers were able to develop analytical methods
Scientists from the Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) in Gatersleben, Germany, and the Institute of Phytopathology at Kiel University (CAU) have developed analytical methods that can detect genetic changes in plants using new genomic techniques (NGT). For this purpose, individual genes of a virus-resistant barley line and a fungus-resistant rapeseed line were specifically "switched off" using the CRISPR/Cas gene scissors in order to subsequently search for corresponding detection methods.
The researchers succeeded in detecting the previously known changes in the genome. Methods based on Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and the sequencing of DNA (Next Generation Sequencing, NGS) were used for this. Two analytical methods were established for the barley and rapeseed lines. They allow reliable detection of genetic modification, even in seed mixtures with low levels of genetic modification of just 0.9% and 0.1%, respectively. According to the final report, the so-called ddPCR detection method is also suitable for various other genetically modified plants. The genetically modified plants could also be reliably detected in the corresponding percentages using amplicon deep sequencing. Accredited reference labs have optimised the developed methods and tested them for specificity, selectivity and applicability. In the rapeseed line, the researchers also found traits that indicate the use of genome editing.
Interventions by NGT are identifiable
The study thus provides evidence that the identification of NGT plants, i.e. the differentiation from a conventional line with the same genetic modification, can be carried out analytically, at least in certain cases. This invalidates the argument that modifications in plant DNA using new genetic engineering are basically indistinguishable from mutations using conventional breeding methods and can therefore be equated. VLOG Managing Director Alexander Hissting comments on the study: "The research results provide interesting starting points for the development of detection methods for NGT. In any case, they give the lie to those who claim that NGTs are generally indistinguishable from conventional cultivars. It is not a question of whether, but only when, legally compliant detection methods for NGTs will be ready for the market."
Safe NGT verification requires transparency on the part of distributors
However, the scientists also point out that it is necessary to know the exact change in the genetic material of the plants to be analysed in order to detect NGTs reliably. This can only be ensured if companies that place NGT plants on the market are obliged to provide genetic information and reference material. Current legislation even requires distributors to provide analytical methods when applying for authorisation to cultivate or import the plant in the EU. According to the EU Commission's plans, this obligation is to be abolished for almost all NGTs.
The EU-funded research project DARWIN, in which VLOG is also involved, is also researching the development of legally compliant procedures for the detection and traceability of genetically modified organisms. These are necessary in order to provide the control authorities with the tools they need to differentiate between genetically modified products and conventionally bred plants and to regulate them accordingly. This is also the subject of the current open letter to the EU agriculture ministers, which can be signed by enterprises in the food industry until 31 August 2024.
BLE announcement on the final report of the feasibility study (in German)
Infodienst Gentechnik: Evidence developed for genome-edited rapeseed and barley (in German)
VLOG: Detection methods for new genetic engineering: DARWIN Project presented at the VLOG Forum