Download ANNEX 3: Assessment of potential for UK cultivation for GM crops

ANNEX 3: Assessment of potential for UK cultivation for GM crops.
The types of GM crops that will be grown in the UK are predominantly influenced by the UK climate, the physiology of the crop species and the
type of authorization sought by the notifier. Tables 1 through to 6 show the different notifications pending or already approved for GM crops in
the EU, with an assessment of the likelihood of cultivation, dissemination or establishment. This assessment is based on the biology of the crop
(including the suitability of the crop to the UK climate, mode of reproduction, pollen dispersal, etc.), the type of marketing approval sought (e.g.
import for processing or cultivation) and any legislative restrictions such as crop quotas. The tables are divided into notifications pending and
approved under the various Directives (90/220, 2001/18 and 1829/2003), with use either including cultivation or not including cultivation. This
situation changes constantly and the tables presented here reflect the situation as at 01 September 2005. The status of some of these may have
changed since that time.
Table 1 – GMO Products already approved for Placing on the Market under Directive 90/220/EC
Crop Type &
Product Name, Trait &
Likelihood of dissemination and establishment in UK
Notification
Use
1
Roundup Ready soya
Soya
Grounds FOR possible UK dissemination/establishment:
line 40-3-2.
C/UK/94/M3/1
 There is the possibility of unintended spillage of soya seed. Given the appropriate conditions of warmth and moisture
this seed may germinate and grow, possibly leading to small feral populations;
Monsanto
For import and
 Soya is currently grown in the UK, on a limited basis. There may be the potential, therefore, for cross-pollination from
processing. The product
feral populations of GM soya to conventional crops.
Date consent
will not be cultivated in
 The granting of consent C/BE/96/01 may have increased the possibility of Roundup Ready soya seed being erroneously
issued:
the EU.
imported into the UK as seed for cultivation, or being present accidentally in other soya seeds for cultivation.
May 1996
Grounds AGAINST possible UK dissemination/establishment:
Date consent
 Soya has poor survivability outside of the cultivated environment. Spilt grain is unlikely to grow and reach maturity;
expires:
 There are no wild or weedy relatives in the UK that may hybridise with the GM soya beans, and soya bean crops are not
Oct 2006
widely grown.
 The deliberate release consent does not authorize cultivation in Europe, it would therefore be an offence if Roundup
Ready soya line 40-3-2 were allowed to persist in the environment either as a result of spillage or inadvertent
cultivation.
LIKELIHOOD OF DISSEMINATION/ESTABLISHMENT IN UK: HIGHLY UNLIKELY
It is unlikely that soya line 40-3-2 will establish in the UK. In most situations spilt seed is unlikely to germinate and grow,
and if it should do so it is very unlikely to reach maturity or be in a situation to fertilize commercial crops. There have been
no reports of this happening in UK since the consent was issued, and since the consent will expire in October 2006 it is
Annex 3 – page 1
2
Maize
C/F/94/11-03
CIBA-GEIGY
Limited (now
Syngenta).
Date consent
issued:
Feb 1997
Date consent
expires:
Oct 2006
3
Carnation
C/NL/96/14
Florigene Europe
BV
Date consent
issued:
Dec 1997
Date consent
Insect resistant maize
line CG00526-176 (Bt
176).
Note: Bt176 also
possesses herbicide
tolerance but the scope
of the notification has
been limited to use
without the application
of glufosinate
ammonium herbicides.
The product is intended
for cultivation for seed
production and the
production of silage and
grain for animal feed,
and grain for industrial
processing.
Carnation (Dianthus
caryophyllus L.) lines
with a modified flower
colour.
The GM carnation is
intended for cultivation
by cutflower growers,
flower auctions, flower
wholesalers, retailers
and breeders. The cut
flowers will be
highly unlikely to happen in the short period remaining. Furthermore, it would constitute a breach of consent and would be
subject to enforcement action by the appointed enforcement authority.
Grounds FOR possible UK cultivation/establishment:
 Bt 176 maize is intended for use, including cultivation, in the EU;
 Maize is currently grown in the UK, primarily in the form of forage maize for feeding to cattle. Bt176 is a grain/fodder
maize.
 The granting of consent C/F/94/11-03 may have increased the possibility of CG00526-176 (Bt 176) maize seed being
erroneously imported into the UK as seed for cultivation, or being present accidentally in other maize seeds for
cultivation.
Grounds AGAINST possible UK cultivation/establishment:
 Bt176 is designed for cultivation in areas infested with the European Corn Borer. This insect pest is not present as a pest
in the UK therefore Bt176 would not provide any benefit to UK growers;
 In the UK, yields of Bt176 grain maize are likely to be lower than those of conventional forage varieties which have
been specially developed for UK conditions;
 The market for the harvested product may be restricted in the UK due to ongoing consumer opposition to GM products.
(But public opposition may be circumvented if the produce is fed directly to on-farm cattle).
LIKELIHOOD OF CULTIVATION IN UK: UNLIKELY
Bt 176 maize is unlikely to be cultivated in UK due to a lack of target organisms and the fact that it cannot be used in
conjunction with Glufosinate-ammonium herbicide. It should be noted that Spain has withdrawn Bt176 from the market at
the request of the EU, because of concern that the variety could generate resistance to antibiotics. The withdrawal follows a
report from the European Food Security Agency (EFSA) calling for an end to cultivation of several genetically modified
corn varieties containing antibiotic resistance marker genes. Bt176 is not available on the EC common catalogue for seeds
and has not been cultivated in the UK since the consent was issued; the consent expires in October 2006 making cultivation
highly unlikely in the short period remaining.
Grounds FOR possible UK dissemination/establishment:
 The genetically modified carnation intended for cultivation in the EU, therefore there is the possibility of plants being
grown in the UK, most likely under glass by cut flower growers;
 Marketing includes selling the GM carnation line as cuttings or plants, which would allow consumers to grow them in
their gardens. This could lead to pollination of conventional carnation plants leading to wild clonal populations;
 In the UK there are 3 native Dianthus species, however is not clear whether carnation can form viable crosses with
them. Their remote habitat locations makes geneflow unlikely.
Grounds AGAINST possible UK dissemination/establishment:
 Dissemination through pollination is much less effective in carnation than in wild Dianthus species. Carnation pollen is
not wind dispersed and can only be transferred by lepidopteran insects such as moths;
 The 3 Dianthus species native to the UK are not widely distributed and usually grow in more remote areas away from
Annex 3 – page 2
expires:
Oct 2006
purchased by
consumers. Plants are
sold as flowers, cuttings
or plants.


gardens and human habitation, therefore, if they are sexually compatible with carnation the risk of geneflow will be
reduced by their remote locations. Furthermore, no hybrids between carnation and any other Dianthus species has ever
been recorded in the wild;
Carnation is an annual plant which does not form vegetative reproductive structures such as stolons, rhizomes, rootborne shoots or tubers. Carnation is semi-winter hardy and cannot survive in areas where temperatures occur below - 5
°C.
Since the consent was issued in 1997 there have been no reports of the dissemination and/or establishment of GM
carnations in the EU. This is a good indication that dissemination and establishment is unlikely.
LIKELIHOOD OF DISSEMINATION IN UK: POSSIBLE
Carnations with modified flower colour may be planted in private gardens leading to cross-pollination of conventional
Dianthus species. This could lead to limited dissemination in the UK. However there have been no media reports of
dissemination of GM carnation in the UK in the years since the consent was granted.
4
Oilseed rape
C/UK/95/M5/1
AgrEvo UK Crop
Protection Limited
(now Bayer)
Date consent
issued:
Jun 1998
Date consent
expires:
Oct 2006
Herbicide tolerant
(glufosinate
ammonium) oilseed
rape Topas line 19/2.
The scope of the
application is for the
handling in the
environment during
import, before and
during storage, and
before and during its
processing to nonviable products. The
scope of this
notification does not
include cultivation of
Topas line 19/2
LIKELIHOOD OF ESTABLISHMENT IN UK: POSSIBLE
If members of the public were to grow modified carnation plants in their gardens there is the possibility that some will
become established. However, establishment is likely to be at a low level and require continued human intervention to
maintain these plants because carnations do not survive low temperatures. Establishment in the wild, either as clones or as
hybrid crosses wild Dianthus species is unlikely. In addition there have been no media reports of establishment in the UK in
the years since the consent was granted.
Grounds FOR possible UK dissemination/establishment:
 Oilseed rape seed is particularly prone to unintended spillage due to its small size. Spillage could occur at docks, during
transportation, or at processing plants. Oilseed rape is well suited to the UK climate and can grow under a wide range of
conditions, therefore it is quite likely that any spilled material will germinate and reach maturity;
 Oilseed rape seeds can lie dormant for many years until the appearance of favourable conditions, at which time they
germinate;
 Oilseed rape is wind and insect pollinated, therefore there is the possibility of geneflow to feral and cultivated oilseed
rape populations. Geneflow can occur over long distances;
 Oilseed rape is capable of forming natural crosses with a number of wild relatives found in the UK, including: Brassica
rapa, Brassica juncea, Hirschfeldia incana, Raphanus raphanistrum, and Sinapis arvensis;
 Feral populations of Topas 19/2 oilseed rape and OSR hybrids which have inherited the herbicide tolerance gene may be
more difficult to control due to tolerance to glyphosate herbicides;
 The granting of consent C/UK/95/M5/1 may have increased the risk of Topas 19/2 seed being erroneously imported into
the UK as seed for cultivation or being present accidentally in other oilseed rape seeds for cultivation. There has been
one incident of the adventitious presence of Topas 19/2 in oilseed rape seed that has been sown for trial purposes in the
UK.
Grounds AGAINST possible UK dissemination/establishment:
Annex 3 – page 3
(Note: consent
restricted to import and
not cultivation in March
1997).



The frequency of gene flow to wild relatives under natural conditions is considered very low. In addition the fitness of
the interspecific hybrids is generally reduced compared to the parents and the stable introgression of the herbicide
tolerance trait into weed species is extremely difficult;
Any viable progeny of a hybrid oilseed rape-wild relative carrying the herbicide tolerance gene can be controlled by
current agronomic practices, either mechanically by cultivation in the rotation cycle, or by broad-leaf herbicides other
than glufosinate.
The deliberate release consent does not authorize cultivation in Europe, it would therefore be an offence if Topas 19/2
oilseed rape were allowed to persist in the environment either as a result of spillage or inadvertent cultivation.
LIKELIHOOD OF DISSEMINATION IN UK: POSSIBLE
Due to the small size of OSR seeds the possibility of spillage of Topas 19/2 during loading, unloading and transportation is
relatively high. Evidence of this can be seen at installations such as docks and processing plants, and it is especially
noticeable along roads where small feral populations of conventional OSR are often seen growing. OSR is wind and insect
pollinated and geneflow can occur over large distances, leading to fertilisation of OSR crops and wild relatives.
5
Maize
C/F/95/12/07
AgrEvo UK Crop
Protection Limited
(now Bayer)
Date consent
issued:
Aug 1998
6
Date consent
expires:
Oct 2006
Maize
Herbicide tolerant
(glufosinate
ammonium) fodder
maize line T25
The scope of the
application includes
cultivation of the GM
maize within the EU,
and the importation of
grain and maize for
processing for feed,
food and industrial
products.
Insect resistant maize
LIKELIHOOD OF ESTABLISHMENT IN UK: POSSIBLE VIA DISSEMINATION
Oilseed rape is well suited to climatic conditions in the UK. Once dissemination has taken place, either via seed dispersal or
by geneflow, feral populations of OSR can subsist for many years. OSR seeds can remain dormant for a number of years
until subject to the right conditions when they germinate, grow and set seed, often in a very short time. Intra-specific crosses
of Topas 19/2 and conventional OSR are likely to be more difficult to control in farmland. The offspring from inter-specific
OSR/related species crosses often exhibit reduced fertility and vigour, however such hybrids are likely to have a selective
advantage in the presence of glufosinate herbicide, making them more difficult to control and more likely to persist.
However, it would constitute a breach of consent and would be subject to enforcement action by the appointed enforcement
authority.
Note: in March 2004 Bayer CropScience announced the withdrawal of Chardon LL from the approvals procedure
required for the marketing of Chardon LL. Chardon LL was the only variety of T25 maize under consideration for
cultivation in the UK. (Bayer CropScience stated that Chardon LL had been left "economically non-viable" because of
imposed conditions by the UK regulatory authorities).
LIKELIHOOD OF CULTIVATION IN UK: VERY UNLIKELY
Because of the restrictions imposed on the growing of T25 in the UK the consent holder has decided not to seek approval for
Chardon LL. Although there is a possibility that the notifier may re-apply for cultivation when the consent expires in 2006,
the likelihood of this is considered to be small because T25 will have lost its competitive edge compared to newer maize
varieties.
Grounds FOR possible UK cultivation/establishment:
Annex 3 – page 4
C/F/95/12/02
Monsanto
Date consent
issued:
Aug 1998
Date consent
expires:
Oct 2006
7
Maize
C/GB/96/M4/1
Northrup King
Company (now
Syngenta)
Date consent
issued:
Jun 1998
Date consent
expires:
Oct 2006
line MON
810, genetically
modified to express the
cryIA(b) insect control
protein.



The scope of the
application includes
cultivation of the GM
maize within the EU,
and
the importation of grain
and maize products into
the EU, and their
storage and processing
for feed, food and
industrial products.
Herbicide tolerant and
insect resistant maize
line Bt-11.
The scope of the
application is only for
the importation of
maize seed into the EU,
for animal feed and
industrial processing to
non-viable products,
including those for
human consumption.
The scope does not
include cultivation of
maize Bt-11 in the EU.
MON810 is authorized for use, including cultivation, in any geographical area in the EU currently producing or
processing maize. In addition MON810 has been National Listed in France and Spain (although Spain is currently the
only place in Europe where it has been grown commercially);
Maize is currently grown in the UK, primarily in the form of forage maize for feeding to cattle, although a small
quantity of grain maize is also produced in the UK.
The granting of consent C/F/95/12/02 may have increased the possibility of MON 810 seed being erroneously imported
into the UK as seed for cultivation, or being present accidentally in other maize seeds for cultivation.
Grounds AGAINST possible UK cultivation/establishment:
 The insect resistance properties of MON810 will not provide any benefit to UK growers due to the absence of
Lepidopteran pests in this country;
 In the UK, yields of MON810 grain maize are likely to be lower than those of conventional forage varieties which have
been specially developed for UK conditions;
 The market for the harvested product may be restricted in the UK due to ongoing consumer opposition to GM products.
(But public opposition may be circumvented if the produce is fed directly to on-farm cattle).
LIKELIHOOD OF CULTIVATION IN UK: HIGHLY UNLIKELY
MON810 is highly unlikely to be cultivated in UK due to absence of Lepidopteran pests, the potential of significantly lower
yields, and a restricted product market. In addition MON810 has no herbicide tolerant properties and therefore will not
appeal to growers seeking to simply their crop management techniques.
Grounds FOR possible UK dissemination/establishment:
 The possibility exists of unintended spillage of Bt-11 maize kernels. Spillage may occur at docks, during transportation,
or at the processing plant. The UK climate favours the growth of maize, therefore it is possible that spilled material will
germinate and reach maturity;
 Maize is wind pollinated, therefore there is the possibility of geneflow to cultivated maize plants;
 Consent C/GB/96/M4/1 may have increased the possibility of Bt-11 seed being erroneously imported into the UK as
seed for cultivation, or being present accidentally in other maize seeds for cultivation.
Grounds AGAINST possible UK dissemination/establishment:
 There are no wild relatives of maize growing in the UK, therefore there is no possibility of geneflow to native British
species;
 Maize is a weak competitor outside cultivation and therefore it is not an invasive plant. Consequently if seed is spilled
feral populations are unlikely to establish in the wild;
 Maize does not generally reach full maturity in the UK, so viable seed is not likely to be produced. If feral plants were to
produce viable seed it is unlikely that volunteers would persist throughout the winter as maize plants are killed by frost;
 Maize volunteers are easily controlled by current agronomic practices including cultivation and the use of selective
herbicides;
 Although pollen may be spread over long distances, maize pollen viability is highly dependent on temperature and
Annex 3 – page 5

desiccation.
The deliberate release consent does not authorize cultivation in Europe, it would therefore be an offence if Bt11 maize
were allowed to persist in the environment either as a result of spillage or inadvertent cultivation.
LIKELIHOOD OF DISSEMINATION IN UK: POSSIBLE
The possibility exists that spilt grain of Bt-11 will germinate and flower. Due to the wind-pollinated nature of maize plants
this could result in geneflow to cultivated maize populations.
8
Carnation
C/NL/97/12
Florigene Europe
BV
Date consent
issued:
Oct 1998
Date consent
expires:
Oct 2006
Carnation (Dianthus
caryophyllus L.) line 66
with improved vase life
(and tolerance to
sulphonylurea
herbicides).
The GM carnation is
intended for cultivation
by cutflower growers,
flower auctions, flower
wholesalers, retailers
and breeders. The cut
flowers will be
purchased by
consumers. Plants are
sold as flowers, cuttings
or plants.
LIKELIHOOD OF ESTABLISHMENT IN UK: HIGHLY UNLIKELY
It is highly unlikely that Bt-11 will establish in the UK. Maize cannot survive without human assistance, is not capable of
surviving as a weed due to past selection, and there are no wild relatives in the UK. Furthermore, it would constitute a
breach of consent and would be subject to enforcement action by the appointed enforcement authority.
Grounds FOR possible UK dissemination/establishment:
 The genetically modified carnation intended for cultivation in the EU, therefore there is the possibility of plants being
grown in the UK, most likely under glass by cutflower growers;
 Marketing includes selling the GM carnation line as cuttings or plants, which would allow consumers to grow them in
their gardens. This could lead to pollination of conventional carnation plants leading to wild clonal populations;
 In the UK there are 3 native Dianthus species, however is not clear whether carnation can form viable crosses with
them. Their remote habitat locations makes geneflow unlikely..
Grounds AGAINST possible UK dissemination/establishment:
 Dissemination through pollination is much less effective in carnation than in wild Dianthus species. Carnation pollen is
not wind dispersed and can only be transferred by lepidopteran insects such as moths;
 The 3 Dianthus species native to the UK are not widely distributed and usually grow in more remote areas away from
gardens and human habitation, therefore, if they are sexually compatible with carnation the risk of geneflow will be
reduced by their remote locations. Furthermore, no hybrids between carnation and any other Dianthus species has ever
been recorded in the wild;
 Carnation is an annual plant which does not form vegetative reproductive structures such as stolons, rhizomes, rootborne shoots or tubers. Carnation is semi-winter hardy and cannot survive in areas where temperatures occur below - 5
°C.
 Since the consent was issued in 1998 there have been no reports of the dissemination and/or establishment of GM
carnations in the EU. This is a good indication that dissemination and establishment is unlikely.
LIKELIHOOD OF DISSEMINATION IN UK: POSSIBLE
Carnations with modified flower colour may be planted in private gardens leading to cross-pollination of conventional
Dianthus species. This could lead to limited dissemination in the UK. However there have been no media reports of
dissemination of GM carnation in the UK in the years since the consent was granted.
Annex 3 – page 6
LIKELIHOOD OF ESTABLISHMENT IN UK: POSSIBLE
If members of the public were to grow modified carnation plants in their gardens there is the possibility that some will
become established. However, establishment is likely to be at a low level and require continued human intervention to
maintain these plants because carnations do not survive low temperatures. Establishment in the wild, either as clones or as
hybrid crosses wild Dianthus species is unlikely. In addition there have been no media reports of establishment in the UK in
the years since the consent was granted
9
Carnation
C/NL/97/13
Florigene Europe
BV
Date consent
issued:
Oct 1998
Date consent
expires:
Oct 2006
Carnation (Dianthus
caryophyllus L.) lines
959A, 988A, 1226A,
1351A, 1363A, and
1400A modified for
altered flower colour
(and tolerance to
sulphonylurea
herbicides).
The GM carnation is
intended for cultivation
by cutflower growers,
flower auctions, flower
wholesalers, retailers
and breeders. The cut
flowers will be
purchased by
consumers.
Plants are sold as
flowers, cuttings or
plants.
Grounds FOR possible UK dissemination/establishment:
 The genetically modified carnation intended for cultivation in the EU, therefore there is the possibility of plants being
grown in the UK, most likely under glass by cutflower growers;
 Marketing includes selling the GM carnation line as cuttings or plants, which would allow consumers to grow them in
their gardens. This could lead to pollination of conventional carnation plants leading to wild clonal populations;
 In the UK there are 3 native Dianthus species, however is not clear whether carnation can form viable crosses with
them. Their remote habitat locations makes geneflow unlikely..
Grounds AGAINST possible UK dissemination/establishment:
 Dissemination through pollination is much less effective in carnation than in wild Dianthus species. Carnation pollen is
not wind dispersed and can only be transferred by lepidopteran insects such as moths;
 The 3 Dianthus species native to the UK are not widely distributed and usually grow in more remote areas away from
gardens and human habitation, therefore, if they are sexually compatible with carnation the risk of geneflow will be
reduced by their remote locations. Furthermore, no hybrids between carnation and any other Dianthus species has ever
been recorded in the wild;
 Carnation is an annual plant which does not form vegetative reproductive structures such as stolons, rhizomes, rootborne shoots or tubers. Carnation is semi-winter hardy and cannot survive in areas where temperatures occur below - 5
°C.
 Since the consent was issued in 1998 there have been no reports of the dissemination and/or establishment of GM
carnations in the EU. This is a good indication that dissemination and establishment is unlikely.
LIKELIHOOD OF DISSEMINATION IN UK: POSSIBLE
Carnations with modified flower colour may be planted in private gardens leading to cross-pollination of conventional
Dianthus species. This could lead to limited dissemination in the UK. However there have been no media reports of
dissemination of GM carnation in the UK in the years since the consent was granted.
LIKELIHOOD OF ESTABLISHMENT IN UK: POSSIBLE
If members of the public were to grow modified carnation plants in their gardens there is the possibility that some will
become established. However, establishment is likely to be at a low level and require continued human intervention to
maintain these plants because carnations do not survive low temperatures. Establishment in the wild, either as clones or as
hybrid crosses wild Dianthus species is unlikely. In addition there have been no media reports of establishment in the UK in
Annex 3 – page 7
the years since the consent was granted
Table 2 - Notifications authorised under Directive 2001/18/EC (DG ENV)1
Crop Type &
Product Name, Trait & Likelihood of dissemination and establishment in UK
Notification
Use
1
NK603 Roundup
Maize
Grounds FOR possible UK dissemination/establishment:
Ready maize
C/ES/00/01
 The possibility exists of the unintended spillage of maize kernels. Spillage may occur at docks, during transportation, or
at the processing plant. The UK climate is amenable to the growth of maize, therefore it is possible that spilled material
Monsanto
Tolerance to
will germinate and may reach maturity (i.e. flowering stage);
glyphosate herbicide.
 Maize is wind pollinated, therefore there is the possibility of geneflow to cultivated maize plants;
Date consent
 The granting of consent C/ES/00/01 may increase the risk of NK603 seed being erroneously imported into the UK as
issued:
Use as for any other
seed for cultivation, or being present accidentally in other conventional maize seeds.
Oct 2004
maize, but not
including cultivation.
Grounds AGAINST possible UK dissemination/establishment:
Date consent
 There are no wild relatives of maize growing in the UK, therefore there is no possibility of geneflow to native British
expires:
species;
Oct 2014
 Maize is a weak competitor outside cultivation and therefore it is not an invasive plant. Consequently if seed is spilled
feral populations are unlikely to establish in the wild;
 Maize does not generally reach full maturity in the UK, therefore viable seed is not likely to be produced. If feral plants
were to produce viable seed it is unlikely that volunteers would persist throughout the winter as maize plants are killed
by frost;
 Maize volunteers can be easily controlled by current agronomic practices including cultivation and the use of selective
(non-glyphosate) herbicides;
 Although pollen may be spread over long distances (up to 32km), maize pollen viability is highly dependent on
temperature and desiccation. Studies have shown that although viability can be maintained for up to 2 hours, cross
pollination is unlikely to extend beyond 200 m from the source.
 The deliberate release consent does not authorize cultivation in Europe, it would therefore be an offence if NK603 maize
were allowed to persist in the environment either as a result of spillage or inadvertent cultivation.
LIKELIHOOD OF DISSEMINATION IN UK: POSSIBLE
The possibility exists that spilt grain of NK603 will germinate and flower, and due to the wind-pollinated nature of maize
plants this could result in geneflow to cultivated maize populations.
LIKELIHOOD OF ESTABLISHMENT IN UK: HIGHLY UNLIKELY
It is highly unlikely that NK603 will establish in the UK. Maize cannot survive without human assistance, is not capable of
surviving as a weed due to past selection, and there are no wild relatives in the UK. If geneflow occurs from feral GM maize
Annex 3 – page 8
2
Maize
C/DE/02/9
Maize line MON 863
and maize hybrid MON
863 x MON 810
Monsanto
Insect-protected
maize
Uses as for any other
maize but not for
cultivation.
Commission
decision 8 August
2005
populations to cultivated maize plants the risk of hybrid seed production is low because most UK maize is harvested before
viable seed set. In the case of cross-pollination to grain maize the risk of establishment is again highly unlikely because maize
cobs are generally harvested whole with minimum loss of individual kernels. Furthermore, if kernels do germinate from
spilled seed during harvesting the volunteer plants are unlikely to persist because they are easily killed by frost. Furthermore,
it would be illegal and subject to action by the appointed enforcement body.
Grounds FOR possible UK dissemination/establishment:
 There exists the possibility of the unintended spillage of maize kernels. Spillage may occur at docks, during
transportation, or at the processing plant. The UK climate favours the growth of maize, therefore it is possible that
spilled material will germinate and reach maturity (flowering);
 Maize is wind pollinated, therefore there is the possibility of geneflow to cultivated maize plants;
 The granting of consent C/DE/02/9 may increase the risk of MON 863 and maize hybrid MON 863 x MON 810 seed
being erroneously imported into the UK as seed for cultivation, or being present accidentally in other conventional
maize seeds.
Grounds AGAINST possible UK dissemination/establishment:
 There are no wild relatives of maize growing in the UK, therefore there is no possibility of geneflow to native British
species;
 Maize is a weak competitor outside cultivation and therefore it is not an invasive plant. Consequently if seed is spilled
feral populations are unlikely to establish in the wild;
 Maize does not generally reach full maturity in the UK, so viable seed is not likely to be produced. If feral plants were to
produce viable seed it is unlikely that volunteers would persist throughout the winter as maize plants are killed by frost;
 Maize volunteers are easily controlled by current agronomic practices including cultivation and the use of selective
herbicides;
 Although pollen may be spread over long distances, maize pollen viability is highly dependent on temperature and
desiccation.
 The deliberate release consent would not extend to cultivation, it would, therefore, be an offence to allow
MON863XMON810 to persist in the environment either as a result of spillage or inadvertent cultivation.
Consent not yet
issued
LIKELIHOOD OF DISSEMINATION IN UK: POSSIBLE
The possibility exists that spilt grain of MON 863 and maize hybrid MON 863 x MON 810 will germinate and flower. Due to
the wind-pollinated nature of maize plants this could result in geneflow to cultivated maize populations.
3
Oilseed rape
Roundup Ready
LIKELIHOOD OF ESTABLISHMENT IN UK: HIGHLY UNLIKELY
It is highly unlikely that MON 863 and maize hybrid MON 863 x MON 810 will establish in the UK. Maize cannot survive
without human assistance, is not capable of surviving as a weed due to past selection, and there are no wild relatives in the
UK. . Furthermore, it would constitute a breach of consent and would be subject to enforcement action by the appointed
enforcement authority.
Grounds FOR possible UK dissemination/establishment:
Annex 3 – page 9
C/NL/98/11
oilseed rape, event
GT73

Monsanto
Commission
decision 31 August
2005
Consent not yet
issued
The proposed uses of
GT73 are the same as
for any other oilseed
rape, but do not
include cultivation in
the EU.





Oilseed rape seed is particularly prone to unintended spillage due to its small size. Monsanto acknowledge that there is a
very small possibility of unintended release of GT73 during transport. Spillage could occur at docks, during
transportation, or at processing plants. Although most GT73 imported into the UK will be crushed in the port area,
reducing the likelihood of seed loss, a small amount is likely to be transported by river for crushing elsewhere. Oilseed
rape is well suited to the UK climate and can grow under a wide range of conditions, therefore it is highly likely that
some spilled material will germinate and such plants could easily reach maturity;
Oilseed rape seeds can lie dormant for many years until the appearance of favourable conditions, at which time they
germinate;
Oilseed rape is wind and insect pollinated, therefore there is the possibility of geneflow to feral and cultivated oilseed
rape populations. Such geneflow can occur over long distances;
Oilseed rape is capable of forming natural crosses with a number of wild relatives found in the UK (including Brassica
rapa, Brassica juncea, Hirschfeldia incana, Raphanus raphanistrum, and Sinapis arvensis), although in reality only
crosses with B. rapa are likely to form viable offspring;
Feral populations of GT73 oilseed rape and OSR hybrids which have inherited the herbicide tolerance gene may be
more difficult to control due to tolerance to glyphosate herbicides;
The granting of consent C/NL/98/11 may increase the possibility of GT73 seed being erroneously imported into the UK
as seed for cultivation or being present accidentally in other oilseed rape seeds for cultivation.
Grounds AGAINST possible UK dissemination/establishment:
 The frequency of gene flow to wild relatives under natural conditions is considered very low. In addition the fitness of
the interspecific hybrids is generally reduced compared to the parents and the stable introgression of the herbicide
tolerance trait into weed species is extremely difficult;
 Any viable progeny of an hybrid oilseed rape-wild relative carrying the herbicide tolerance gene can be controlled by
current agronomic practices, either mechanically by cultivation in the rotation cycle, or by broad-leaf herbicides other
than glyphosate.
 The deliberate release consent would not authorize cultivation in Europe, it would therefore be an offence if GT73
oilseed rape was allowed to persist in the environment either as a result of spillage or inadvertent cultivation.
LIKELIHOOD OF DISSEMINATION IN UK: POSSIBLE
Due to the small size of OSR seeds the possibility of spillage of GT73 during loading, unloading and transportation is fairly
high. Evidence of this can be seen at installations such as docks and processing plants, and it is especially noticeable along
roads where small feral populations of conventional OSR are often seen growing. OSR is wind and insect pollinated and
geneflow can occur over large distances, leading to fertilisation of OSR crops and wild relatives.
LIKELIHOOD OF ESTABLISHMENT IN UK: POSSIBLE VIA DISSEMINATION
Oilseed rape is well suited to climatic conditions in the UK. Once dissemination has taken place, either via seed dispersal or
by geneflow, feral populations of OSR can subsist for many years. OSR seeds can remain dormant for a number of years until
subject to the right conditions when they germinate, grow and set seed, often in a very short time. Intra-specific crosses of
Annex 3 – page 10
4
Maize
C/NL/00/10
Mycogen Seeds;
Pioneer Hi-Bred
Lepidopteran
resistant and
glufosinate tolerant
Commission
decision 3
November 2005
Consent not yet
issued
1507 Maize
Import of products
derived from 1507
maize seed, including
import of 1507 maize
grain produced outside
the EU. Not for
cultivation.
GT73 and conventional OSR are likely to be more difficult to control in farmland. The offspring from inter-specific
OSR/related species crosses often exhibit reduced fertility and vigour, however such hybrids are likely to have a selective
advantage in the presence of glyphosate herbicide, making them more difficult to control and more likely to persist.
However, it would constitute a breach of consent and would be subject to enforcement action by the appointed enforcement
authority.
Grounds FOR possible UK dissemination/establishment:
 The possibility of the unintended spillage of maize kernels exists. Spillage may occur at docks, during transportation, or
at processing plants. The UK climate favours the growth of maize, therefore it is possible that spilled material will
germinate and reach maturity;
 Maize is wind pollinated, therefore there is the possibility of geneflow to cultivated maize plants;
 Feral populations of 1507 maize may be more difficult to control than conventional maize due to tolerance to
glufosinate herbicides;
 The granting of consent C/NL/00/10 may increase the risk of 1507 maize seed being erroneously imported into the UK
as seed for cultivation or being present accidentally in other conventional maize seeds.
Grounds AGAINST possible UK dissemination/establishment:
 There are no wild relatives of maize growing in the UK, therefore there is no possibility of geneflow to native British
species;
 Maize is a weak competitor outside cultivation and therefore it is not an invasive plant. Consequently if seed is spilled
feral populations are unlikely to establish in the wild;
 Maize does not generally reach full maturity in the UK, so viable seed is not likely to be produced. If feral plants were to
produce viable seed it is unlikely that volunteers would persist throughout the winter as maize plants are killed by frost;
 Maize volunteers are easily controlled by current agronomic practices including cultivation and the use of selective
herbicides;
 Although pollen may be spread over long distances, maize pollen viability is highly dependent on temperature and
desiccation.
 The deliberate release consent would not authorize cultivation in Europe, it would therefore be an offence if 1507 maize
were allowed to persist in the environment either as a result of spillage or inadvertent cultivation.
LIKELIHOOD OF DISSEMINATION IN UK: POSSIBLE
The possibility exists that spilt grain of 1507 maize will germinate and flower. Due to the wind-pollinated nature of maize
plants this could result in geneflow to cultivated maize populations. Although feral populations will not be controlled by
glufosinate herbicides other management techniques will be able to control them.
LIKELIHOOD OF ESTABLISHMENT IN UK: HIGHLY UNLIKELY
It is highly unlikely that 1507 maize will establish in the UK. Maize cannot survive without human assistance, is not capable
of surviving as a weed due to past selection, and there are no wild relatives in the UK. . Furthermore, it would constitute a
breach of consent and would be subject to enforcement action by the appointed enforcement authority.
Annex 3 – page 11
1
http://gmoinfo.jrc.it/gmc_browse.asp
Table 3 – Notifications pending under Directive 2001/18/EC (DG ENV) with use including cultivation1.
Crop Type &
Product Name, Trait
Likelihood of cultivation/establishment in UK if authorization is granted
Notification
& Use
1
Maize
NK603 × MON810
Grounds FOR possible UK cultivation/establishment:
Genetically modified
C/ES/04/01

NK603 × MON810 is intended for use, including cultivation, in any geographical area in the EU currently producing or
(Monsanto)
maize
processing maize;

Maize is currently grown in the UK, primarily in the form of forage maize for feeding to cattle, although a small
Herbicide (glyphosate)
quantity of grain maize is also produced in the UK. (Note: although NK603 × MON810 is principally a grain maize the
tolerance &
vegetative parts can be used as animal feed);
Lepidopteran insect

The simplified weed control offered by glyphosate tolerance may appeal to UK growers wishing to assess the new
resistance.
technology. There may also be an economic incentive, and possibly environmental benefits depending on the types of
herbicides used on the conventional comparator;
For import and use,
including cultivation.
Grounds AGAINST possible UK cultivation/establishment:

The insect resistance properties of NK603 × MON810 will not provide any benefit to UK growers due to the absence of
Lepidopteran pests in this country;

In the UK, yields of NK603 × MON810 grain maize are likely to be significantly lower than those of conventional
forage varieties which have been specially developed for UK conditions;

The market for the harvested product may be restricted in the UK due to ongoing consumer opposition to GM products
(but public opposition may be circumvented if the produce is fed directly to on-farm cattle, which is a likely scenario for
a fodder crop).
2
Maize
C/FR/96/05/10
Syngenta Seeds
SAS
Bt11 maize (field or
sweet maize).
Insect resistance
Resistance to corn
borers Ostrinia
nubilalis and Sesamia
nonagrioides using the
Cry1Ab gene;
LIKELIHOOD OF CULTIVATION IN UK: UNLIKELY
NK603 × MON810 is unlikely to be cultivated in UK due to absence of Lepidopteran pests, potentially lower yields, and a
restricted product market. However the possibility of cultivation cannot be completely discounted due to the prospect of
enhanced weed control and the potential benefits to growers provided by the herbicide tolerance trait.
Grounds FOR possible UK cultivation/establishment:
 Bt11 maize is intended for use, including cultivation, throughout the EU;
 Maize is currently grown in the UK, primarily in the form of forage maize for feeding to cattle, although a small
quantity of grain maize is also produced in the UK. (Note: although Bt11 is primarily a sweet/grain maize the vegetative
parts can be used as animal feed);
Grounds AGAINST possible UK cultivation/establishment:
 The insect resistance properties of Bt11 would not provide any benefit to UK growers due to the lack of lepidopteran
pests in this country;
Annex 3 – page 12

Note: Bt11 also
possesses herbicide
tolerance but the scope
of the notification has
been limited to use
without the application
of glufosinate
ammonium herbicides.
3
Maize
C/ES/01/01
Dow
AgroSciences;
Mycogen Seeds;
Pioneer Hi-Bred
For use in the EU
including cultivation.
1507 Maize
Lepidopteran resistant
and glufosinate tolerant
maize
Use of 1507 maize will
include cultivation
and import of grain and
grain products for
storage and processing
into food, animal feed
and industrial uses.
4
Potato
C/SE/96/3501
Potato line EH92-5271
Amylogene HB
Modified starch


The herbicide tolerant properties of Bt11 will not provide an incentive to growers because the notification precludes the
use of glufosinate ammonium herbicides;
In the UK, yields of Bt11 sweet/grain maize are likely to be lower than those of conventional forage varieties which
have been specially developed for UK conditions;
The market for the harvested product may be restricted in the UK due to ongoing consumer opposition to GM products.
(But public opposition may be circumvented if the produce is fed directly to on-farm cattle).
LIKELIHOOD OF CULTIVATION IN UK: UNLIKELY
Bt11 is unlikely to be cultivated in UK because neither of the two traits it exhibits (lepidopteran resistance and herbicide
tolerance without the possibility of glufosinate application) will be of use to UK growers. (Note: ACRE also considered that
this product is unlikely to be grown in the UK for the foreseeable future - ACRE Advice 46, Feb ‘04). However, because
maize is currently grown in the UK the possibility of some Bt11 cultivation in this country cannot be completely ruled out.
Grounds FOR possible UK cultivation/establishment:
 1507 maize is intended for use, including cultivation, in the EU;
 Maize is currently grown in the UK, primarily in the form of forage maize for feeding to cattle, although a small
quantity of grain maize is also produced in the UK. (Note: although 1507 maize is primarily a grain maize the vegetative
parts can be used as animal feed);
 The simplified weed control offered by glufosinate tolerance may appeal to UK growers wishing to ‘try out’ the new
technology. There may also be an economic incentive, and possibly environmental benefits depending on the types of
herbicides used on the conventional comparator.
Grounds AGAINST possible UK cultivation/establishment:
 The insect resistance properties of 1507 maize would not provide any benefit to UK growers due to the lack of
Lepidopteran pests in this country;
 In the UK, yields of 1507 grain maize are likely to be lower than those of conventional forage varieties which have been
specially developed for UK conditions;
 The market for the harvested product may be restricted in the UK due to ongoing consumer opposition to GM products.
(But public opposition may be circumvented if the produce is fed directly to on-farm cattle).
LIKELIHOOD OF CULTIVATION IN UK: UNLIKELY
1507 maize is unlikely to be cultivated in UK due to a lack of target organisms; however, the possibility of cultivation cannot
be discounted because glufosinate tolerance may be seen as a valuable attribute by growers looking to simplify their crop
management techniques and possibly increase their profit margins. The likelihood of cultivation will depend primarily on
how suited the variety is to the UK climate (i.e. the yield potential) and whether there is a market for the produce.
Grounds FOR possible UK cultivation/establishment:
 The notification would allow the cultivation of modified line EH92-527-1 in those areas of Europe where starch
potatoes and potato seed are presently grown. Although the UK does not currently produce starch potatoes, there is a
thriving industry involving both ware and seed potatoes in the UK;
Annex 3 – page 13
Sweden
content.

The UK climate is highly amenable to potato growing and potato volunteers are notoriously difficult to eradicate,
therefore if potato line EH92-527-1 is grown in the UK there is a high likelihood of establishment.
For cultivation.
Grounds AGAINST possible UK cultivation/establishment:
 At present (2005/6) the UK does not have a potato starch quota. Furthermore the quotas proposed for 2006/7 do not
include UK production.
LIKELIHOOD OF CULTIVATION IN UK: POSSIBLE
At present the starch industry in the UK is not large and the UK does not have a starch quota, therefore it is unlikely that
modified potato line EH92-527-1 will be grown in this country in the next few (say 2-4) years. The possibility that the UK
will receive a starch quota in the future is difficult to predict, but cannot be ruled out. Furthermore, it is also conceivable that
the starch quota system will be relaxed or even abolished as an artificial barrier to trade between Member States, therefore
cultivation in the UK remains a possibility in future years.
1
http://gmoinfo.jrc.it/gmc_browse.asp
Table 4 - Notifications pending under Directive 2001/18/EC (DG ENV) with use not including cultivation1.
Crop Type &
Product Name, Trait & Likelihood of dissemination and establishment in UK if authorization is granted
Notification
Use
1
Carnation
Grounds FOR possible UK dissemination/establishment:
Dianthus caryophyllus
C/NL/04/02
 Theoretical possibility of vegetative spread of cut flowers, leading to wild clonal populations. (Note: the possibility of
L. (carnation
vegetative spread from discarded plants is extremely remote. Of greater likelihood is the propagation of cuttings by
Florigene Limited
‘Florigene Moonlite’)
some members of the public. Anecdotal reports suggest that flower stems are the best place to take cuttings);
with modified flower
 Theoretical (albeit very remote) possibility of seed formation and dispersal from cut flowers as a result of self
Modified flower
colour.
fertilization or fertilization with pollen from an external source;
colour
 Theoretical possibility of pollen transfer from cut flowers leading to fertilization and seed formation by recipient plants.
Not for cultivation in
(Note: there is no evidence of hybridisation between carnation and wild Dianthus species, but there is the possibility of
the EU.
hybridisation with other cultivated carnations);
 In the UK there are 3 native Dianthus species: Dianthus armeria (Deptford Pink - in the UK this species is classified as
‘vulnerable’), Dianthus deltoides (Maiden Pink) and Dianthus gratianopolitanus (Cheddar Pink). It is not clear,
however, whether carnation can form viable crosses with these species. In addition there are a large number of Dianthus
species which are grown as flowering plants in gardens.
Grounds AGAINST possible UK dissemination/establishment:
 Cut carnation flowers have an extremely low to negligible risk of gene dispersal;
 Seed development takes 5 weeks, whereas cut carnation flowers last a maximum of only 3 weeks;
 Dissemination through pollination is much less effective in carnation than in wild Dianthus species. Carnation pollen is
not wind dispersed and can only be transferred by lepidopteran insects such as moths;
Annex 3 – page 14




The 3 Dianthus species native to the UK are not widely distributed and usually grow in more remote areas away from
gardens and human habitation, therefore, if they are sexually compatible with carnation the risk of geneflow will be
reduced by their remote locations;
No hybrids between carnation and any other Dianthus species has ever been recorded in the wild;
Carnation is an annual plant which does not form vegetative reproductive structures such as stolons, rhizomes, rootborne shoots or tubers. Carnation is semi-winter hardy and cannot survive in areas where temperatures occur below - 5
°C.
The deliberate release consent would not authorize cultivation in Europe, it would therefore be an offence if ‘Florigene
Moonlight’ were allowed to persist in the environment either as a result of spillage or inadvertent cultivation.
LIKELIHOOD OF DISSEMINATION IN UK: POSSIBLE
Genetically modified carnations have a very low risk of dissemination via unassisted vegetative spread, pollen transfer or
seed formation. However the novelty factor of blue carnations may encourage some members of the public to take cuttings;
some of these cuttings may root successfully leading to small clonal populations in private gardens. This, in turn, may
enhance the risk of geneflow to recipient non-GM carnations and other Dianthus species, also in cultivation.
2
Cotton
C/NL/04/01
Dow
AgroSciences;
Agrigenetics
Insect resistance
Insect resistant cotton
events 281-24-236 and
3006-210-23.
Not for cultivation in
the EU.
LIKELIHOOD OF ESTABLISHMENT IN UK: POSSIBLE
If members of the public succeed in propagating cuttings from the cut stems of modified carnation plants there is a possibility
that they will become established in gardens. Establishment is likely to be at a low level and require continued human
intervention to maintain these plants because carnations do not survive low temperatures. Establishment in the wild, either as
clones or as hybrid crosses wild Dianthus species is unlikely. Furthermore, it would constitute a breach of consent and would
be subject to enforcement action by the appointed enforcement authority.
Grounds FOR possible UK dissemination/establishment:
 There is the possibility of unintended spillage of cotton seed. Given the appropriate conditions of warmth and moisture
this seed could germinate and grow. Such conditions may exist (on a very limited basis, e.g. heat vents) within the
vicinity of docks or processing plants.
Grounds AGAINST possible UK dissemination/establishment:
 Spilled cotton seed is highly unlikely to germinate and establish in the UK due to the unfavourable climatic conditions;
 If cotton seed did germinate and establish the risk of geneflow is non-existent as there are no sexually compatible crops
or wild species in the UK.
 The deliberate release consent would not authorize cultivation in Europe, it would therefore be an offence if IR cotton
events 281-24-236 and 3006-210-23 were allowed to persist in the environment either as a result of spillage or
inadvertent cultivation.
LIKELIHOOD OF DISSEMINATION/ESTABLISHMENT IN UK: EXTREMELY UNLIKELY
It is extremely unlikely that cotton events 281-24-236 and 3006-210-23 would disseminate and establish in the UK. In the
unlikely event that spilled seed were to germinate the feral population would necessarily be very small as it would be
Annex 3 – page 15
3
Oilseed rape
C/BE/96/01
Oilseed rape Ms8xRf3
(developed from the
spring variety Drakkar)
Bayer BioScience
Glufosinate ammonium
tolerance
Import in the EU for all
uses as any other
oilseed rape (food, feed
and
industrial uses).
Note: as of Dec 2004
the scope of the
application was
reduced and no longer
includes cultivation.
restricted to the specific location giving rise to the microclimate. If the plants did reach maturity there is no risk of geneflow
outside these small areas as there are no sexually compatible crops or wild relatives in the UK. Furthermore, it would
constitute a breach of consent and would be subject to enforcement action by the appointed enforcement authority.
Grounds FOR possible UK dissemination/establishment:
 Oilseed rape seed is particularly prone to unintended spillage due to its small size. Spillage could occur at docks, during
transportation, or at processing plants. Oilseed rape is well suited to the UK climate and can grow under a wide range of
conditions, therefore it is quite likely that spilled material will germinate and could easily reach maturity;
 Oilseed rape seeds can lie dormant for many years until the appearance of favourable conditions, at which time they
germinate;
 Oilseed rape is wind and insect pollinated, therefore there is the possibility of geneflow to feral and cultivated oilseed
rape populations. Such geneflow can occur over long distances;
 Oilseed rape is capable of forming natural crosses with a number of wild relatives found in the UK, including: Brassica
rapa, Brassica juncea, Hirschfeldia incana, Raphanus raphanistrum, and Sinapis arvensis (information from
notification C/BE/96/01. Under natural conditions oilseed rape is only likely to cross with B. rapa);
 Feral populations of Ms8xRf3 oilseed rape and OSR hybrids which have inherited the herbicide tolerance gene may be
more difficult to control due to tolerance to glufosinate-ammonium herbicides;
 The granting of consent C/BE/96/01 may increase the possibility of Ms8xRf3 seed being erroneously imported into the
UK as seed for cultivation, or being present accidentally in other oilseed rape seeds for cultivation.
Grounds AGAINST possible UK dissemination/establishment:
 The frequency of gene flow to wild relatives under natural conditions is considered very low. In addition the fitness of
the interspecific hybrids is generally reduced compared to the parents and the stable introgression of the herbicide
tolerance trait into weed species is extremely difficult;
 Any viable progeny of an hybrid oilseed rape-wild relative carrying the herbicide tolerance gene can be controlled by
current agronomic practices, either mechanically by cultivation in the rotation cycle, or by broad-leaf herbicides other
than glufosinate ammonium.
 The deliberate release consent would not authorize cultivation in Europe, it would therefore be an offence if Ms8xRf3
oilseed rape were allowed to persist in the environment either as a result of spillage or inadvertent cultivation.
LIKELIHOOD OF DISSEMINATION IN UK: POSSIBLE
Due to the small size of OSR seeds the possibility of spillage of Ms8xRf3 during loading, unloading and transportation is
fairly high. Evidence of this can be seen at installations such as docks and processing plants, and it is especially noticeable
along roads where small feral populations of conventional OSR can often be seen growing. OSR is wind and insect pollinated
and geneflow can occur over large distances, leading to fertilisation of OSR crops and wild relatives.
LIKELIHOOD OF ESTABLISHMENT IN UK: POSSIBLE
Oilseed rape is well suited to climatic conditions in the UK. Once dissemination has taken place, either via seed dispersal or
by geneflow, feral populations of OSR can subsist for many years. OSR seeds can remain dormant for a number of years until
Annex 3 – page 16
4
Maize
C/GB/02/M3/03
Genetically modified
maize NK603 × MON
810
Monsanto
Tolerance to Roundup
herbicide (containing
glyphosate), and
expressing the Cry1Ab
protein which confers
protection from certain
lepidopteran insect
pests including
European corn borer
(Ostrinia nubilalis) and
pink borers (Sesamia
spp).
For import and use,
NOT including
cultivation)
subject to the right conditions when they germinate, grow and set seed, often in a very short time. Intra-specific crosses of
Ms8xRf3 and conventional OSR are likely to be more difficult to control in farmland. The offspring from inter-specific
OSR/related species crosses often exhibit reduced fertility and vigour, however such hybrids are likely to have a selective
advantage in the presence of glufosinate-ammonium herbicides, making them more difficult to control and more likely to
persist. However, this would constitute a breach of the consent and would be subject to enforcement action by the appointed
enforcement authority.
Grounds FOR possible UK dissemination/establishment:
 The possibility exists of unintended spillage of maize kernels. Spillage may occur at docks, during transportation, or at
the processing plant. The UK climate favours the growth of maize, therefore it is possible that spilled material will
germinate and reach maturity;
 Maize is wind pollinated, therefore there is the possibility of geneflow to cultivated maize plants;
 The granting of consent C/GB/02/M3/03 may increase the possibility of NK603 × MON 810 seed being erroneously
imported into the UK as seed for cultivation or being accidentally present in other maize seeds for cultivation.
Grounds AGAINST possible UK dissemination/establishment:
 There are no wild relatives of maize growing in the UK, therefore there is no possibility of geneflow to native British
species;
 Maize is a weak competitor outside cultivation and therefore it is not an invasive plant. Consequently if seed is spilled
feral populations are unlikely to establish in the wild;
 Maize does not generally reach full maturity in the UK, so viable seed is not likely to be produced. If feral plants were to
produce viable seed it is unlikely that volunteers would persist throughout the winter as maize plants are killed by frost;
 Maize volunteers are easily controlled by current agronomic practices including cultivation and the use of selective
herbicides;
 Although pollen may be spread over long distances, maize pollen viability is highly dependent on temperature and
desiccation.
 The deliberate release consent would not authorize cultivation in Europe, it would therefore be an offence if
NK603XMON810 maize were allowed to persist in the environment either as a result of spillage or inadvertent
cultivation.
LIKELIHOOD OF DISSEMINATION IN UK: POSSIBLE
The possibility exists that spilt grain of NK603 × MON 810 will germinate and flower. Due to the wind-pollinated nature of
maize plants this could result in geneflow to cultivated maize populations.
LIKELIHOOD OF ESTABLISHMENT IN UK: HIGHLY UNLIKELY
It is highly unlikely that NK603 × MON 810 will establish in the UK. Maize cannot survive without human assistance, is not
capable of surviving as a weed due to past selection, and there are no wild relatives in the UK. Furthermore, this would
constitute a breach of the consent and would be subject to enforcement action by the appointed enforcement authority.
Annex 3 – page 17
Table 5 - Notifications pending under Directive 1829/2003 (DG SANCO) with use including cultivation, having been transferred from 2001/18/EC.1
Crop Type &
Product Name, Trait & Likelihood of cultivation/establishment in UK if authorization is granted
Notification
Use
1
Roundup Ready maize
Maize
Grounds FOR possible UK cultivation/establishment:
line NK603.
C/ES/03/01
 NK603 maize is intended for use, including cultivation, in any geographical area currently producing or processing
(Monsanto)
maize;
Herbicide (glyphosate)
 Maize is currently grown in the UK, primarily in the form of forage maize for feeding to cattle, although a small
tolerance.
quantity of grain maize is also produced in the UK. (Note: although NK603 is primarily a grain maize the vegetative
parts can be used as animal feed);
For use in the EU
 The simplified weed control offered by glyphosate tolerance may appeal to UK growers wishing to ‘try out’ the new
including cultivation.
technology. There may also be an economic incentive, and possibly environmental benefits depending on the types of
herbicides used on the conventional comparator;
Grounds AGAINST possible UK cultivation/establishment:
 In the UK, yields of NK603 grain maize are likely to be lower than those of conventional forage varieties which have
been specially developed for UK conditions;
 The market for the harvested product may be restricted in the UK due to ongoing consumer opposition to GM products.
(But public opposition may be circumvented if the produce is fed directly to on-farm cattle).
2
Fodder beet
C/DK/97/01
Danisco Seed; DLF
Trifolium A/S;
Monsanto
Transferred from
2001/18/EC.
Subsequently
withdrawn
Roundup Ready fodder
beet derived from line
A5/15
For use as any other
fodder beet, including
cultivation.
LIKELIHOOD OF CULTIVATION IN UK: POSSIBLE
NK603 maize has the potential to be cultivated in the UK. This conclusion is due mainly to the fact that glyphosate tolerance
may be seen as a valuable attribute by growers looking to simplify their crop management techniques and possibly increase
their profit margins. The extent to which NK603 is cultivated will depend primarily on how suited the variety is to the UK
climate (i.e. the yield potential) and whether there is a market for the produce, taking into account public opinion and direct
on-farm feeding to cattle.
Grounds FOR possible UK cultivation/establishment:
 RR fodder beet line A5/15 is intended for use as any other fodder beet, including cultivation, in the EU;
 Fodder beet is currently grown widely throughout the UK;
 The simplified weed control offered by glyphosate tolerance may appeal to many UK growers. There may also be an
economic incentive in terms of lower chemical inputs and reduced man-hours.
Grounds AGAINST possible UK cultivation/establishment:
 The market for the harvested product may be restricted in the UK due to potential consumer opposition to GM products.
(However, public opposition may be circumvented if the produce is fed directly to on-farm cattle - a likely scenario for
this type of crop).
LIKELIHOOD OF CULTIVATION IN UK: HIGHLY LIKELY
If consent C/DK/97/01 is granted there is a high likelihood that a proportion of UK growers will wish to adopt this
Annex 3 – page 18
3
Cotton
C/ES/97/01
Roundup Ready cotton
line derived from Event
1445
Monsanto
Transferred from
2001/18/EC.
Subsequently
withdrawn
3
Cotton
C/ES/96/02
For use as any other
cotton.
Grounds AGAINST possible UK cultivation/establishment:
 Spilled cotton seed is highly unlikely to germinate and establish in the UK due to the unfavourable climatic conditions;
 If cotton seed did germinate and establish the risk of geneflow is non-existent as there are no sexually compatible crops
or wild species in the UK.
Insect-Protected cotton
line derived from Event
531
Monsanto
Transferred from
2001/18/EC.
Subsequently
withdrawn
technology. Adoption rates are likely to be influenced to some extent by consumer preference, but if growers feed the crop
directly to their own livestock (a scenario which is likely) they are likely to circumvent public opposition and this will
increase the likely uptake of this technology.
Grounds FOR possible UK cultivation/establishment:
 RR cotton line event 1445 is intended for use as any other cotton;
 There is the possibility of unintended spillage of cotton seed. Given the appropriate conditions of warmth and moisture
this seed could germinate and grow. Such conditions may exist (on a very limited basis, e.g. heat vents) within the
vicinity of docks or processing plants.
For use as any other
cotton.
LIKELIHOOD OF DISSEMINATION/ESTABLISHMENT IN UK: EXTREMELY UNLIKELY
Due to the unfavourable climate cotton is not grown in the UK, however there is the possibility of seed spillage. In the event
of seed spillage it is extremely unlikely that RR cotton event 1445 would disseminate and establish in the UK. In the unlikely
event that spilled seed was to germinate the feral population would necessarily be very small as it would be restricted to the
specific location giving rise to the microclimate. If the plants did reach maturity there is no risk of geneflow outside these
small areas as there are no sexually compatible crops or wild species in the UK.
Grounds FOR possible UK cultivation/establishment:
 RR cotton line event 531 is intended for use as any other cotton;
 There is the possibility of unintended spillage of cotton seed. Given the appropriate conditions of warmth and moisture
this seed could germinate and grow. Such conditions may exist (on a very limited basis, e.g. heat vents) within the
vicinity of docks or processing plants.
Grounds AGAINST possible UK cultivation/establishment:
 Spilled cotton seed is highly unlikely to germinate and establish in the UK due to the unfavourable climatic conditions;
 If cotton seed did germinate and establish the risk of geneflow is non-existent as there are no sexually compatible crops
or wild species in the UK.
LIKELIHOOD OF DISSEMINATION/ESTABLISHMENT IN UK: EXTREMELY UNLIKELY
Due to the unfavourable climatic conditions cotton is not grown in the UK, however there is the possibility of spillage of
seed. In the event of seed spillage it is extremely unlikely that RR cotton event 1445 would disseminate and establish in the
UK. In the unlikely event that spilled seed was to germinate the feral population would necessarily be very small as it would
be restricted to the specific location giving rise to the microclimate. If the plants did reach maturity there is no risk of
geneflow outside these small areas as there are no sexually compatible crops or wild species in the UK.
Annex 3 – page 19
Table 6 - Notifications PENDING under Directive 1829/2003 (DG SANCO) with use NOT including cultivation, having been transferred from 2001/18/EC 1
Crop Type &
Product Name, Trait & Likelihood of dissemination and establishment in UK if authorization is granted
Notification
Use
1
Glufosinate tolerant
Cotton
Grounds FOR possible UK dissemination/establishment:
Cotton Transformation
C/ES/04/02
 There is the possibility of unintended spillage of cotton seed. Given the appropriate conditions of warmth and moisture
event LLCotton25
this seed could germinate and grow. Such conditions may exist (on a very limited basis, e.g. heat vents) within the
Bayer CropScience
vicinity of docks or processing plants.
For import only. Not
Transferred from for cultivation in the
Grounds AGAINST possible UK dissemination/establishment:
EU.
2001/18/EC
 Spilled cotton seed is highly unlikely to germinate and establish in the UK due to the unfavourable climatic conditions;
 If cotton seed did germinate and establish the risk of geneflow is non-existent as there are no sexually compatible crops
or wild species in the UK.
 The deliberate release consent would not authorize cultivation in Europe, it would therefore be an offence if
LLCotton25 were allowed to persist in the environment either as a result of spillage or inadvertent cultivation.
2
Oilseed rape
C/GB/04/M5/4
Glufosinate Tolerant
oilseed rape T45
Bayer CropScience
For import only. Not
for cultivation in the
EU.
Transferred from
2001/18/EC
LIKELIHOOD OF DISSEMINATION/ESTABLISHMENT IN UK: EXTREMELY UNLIKELY
It is highly unlikely that cotton event LLCotton25 would disseminate and establish in the UK. In the unlikely event that
spilled seed was to germinate the feral population would necessarily be very small as it would be restricted to the specific
location giving rise to the microclimate. If the plants did reach maturity there is no risk of geneflow outside these small areas
as there are no sexually compatible crops or wild species in the UK. Furthermore, it would constitute a breach of consent and
would be subject to enforcement action by the appointed enforcement authority.
Grounds FOR possible UK dissemination/establishment:
 Oilseed rape seed is particularly prone to unintended spillage due to its small size. Spillage could occur at docks, during
transportation, or at processing plants. Oilseed rape is well suited to the UK climate and can grow under a wide range of
conditions, therefore it is quite likely that any spilled material will germinate and could easily reach maturity;
 Oilseed rape seeds can lie dormant for many years until the appearance of favourable conditions, at which time they
germinate;
 Oilseed rape is wind and insect pollinated, therefore there is the possibility of geneflow to feral and cultivated oilseed
rape populations. Geneflow can occur over long distances;
 Oilseed rape is capable of forming natural crosses with a number of wild relatives found in the UK, including: Brassica
rapa, Brassica juncea, Hirschfeldia incana, Raphanus raphanistrum, and Sinapis arvensis;
 Feral populations of T45 oilseed rape and OSR hybrids which have inherited the herbicide tolerance gene may be more
difficult to control due to tolerance to glyphosate herbicides;
 The granting of consent C/GB/04/M5/4 may increase the possibility of T45 seed being erroneously imported into the
UK as seed for cultivation or being present accidentally in other oilseed rape seeds for cultivation.
Grounds AGAINST possible UK dissemination/establishment:
Annex 3 – page 20



The frequency of gene flow to wild relatives under natural conditions is considered very low. In addition the fitness of
the interspecific hybrids is generally reduced compared to the parents and the stable introgression of the herbicide
tolerance trait into weed species is extremely difficult;
Any viable progeny of a hybrid oilseed rape-wild relative carrying the herbicide tolerance gene can be controlled by
current agronomic practices, either mechanically by cultivation in the rotation cycle, or by broad-leaf herbicides other
than glyphosate.
The deliberate release consent would not authorize cultivation in Europe, it would therefore be an offence if T45 oilseed
rape were allowed to persist in the environment either as a result of spillage or inadvertent cultivation.
LIKELIHOOD OF DISSEMINATION IN UK: POSSIBLE
Due to the small size of OSR seeds the possibility of spillage of T45 during loading, unloading and transportation is fairly
high. Evidence of this can be seen at installations such as docks and processing plants, and it is especially noticeable along
roads where small feral populations of conventional OSR are often seen growing. OSR is wind and insect pollinated and
geneflow can occur over large distances, leading to fertilisation of OSR crops and wild relatives.
3
Rice
C/GB/03/M5/3
Bayer CropScience
Transferred from
2001/18/EC
Glufosinate-tolerant
Rice, LLRICE62
Import in the EU for all
uses as any other rice
(food, feed and
industrial uses) but no
seeds will be imported
for cultivation into
the Europe.
LIKELIHOOD OF ESTABLISHMENT IN UK: POSSIBLE
Oilseed rape is well suited to climatic conditions in the UK. Once dissemination has taken place, either via seed dispersal or
by geneflow, feral populations of OSR can subsist for many years. OSR seeds can remain dormant for a number of years until
subject to the right conditions when they germinate, grow and set seed, often in a very short time. Intra-specific crosses of
T45 and conventional OSR are likely to be more difficult to control in farmland. The offspring from inter-specific
OSR/related species crosses often exhibit reduced fertility and vigour, however such hybrids are likely to have a selective
advantage in the presence of glyphosate herbicide, making them more difficult to control and more likely to persist.
However, it would constitute a breach of consent and would be subject to enforcement action by the appointed enforcement
authority.
Grounds FOR possible UK dissemination/establishment:
 There is the possibility of unintended spillage of LLRICE62 seed. Given the appropriate conditions of warmth and
moisture this seed could germinate and grow. Such conditions may exist within the vicinity of docks or processing
plants, but this is likely to be on a very limited basis (e.g. heat vents).
Grounds AGAINST possible UK dissemination/establishment:
 Spilled rice seed is highly unlikely to germinate and establish in the UK due to the unfavourable climatic conditions;
 Most commodity rice is imported as non-viable grain (milled rice grain), therefore the risk of spilled LLRICE62
germinating is extremely low;
 If rice seed did germinate and establish the risk of geneflow is non-existent as there are no sexually compatible crops or
wild species in the UK.
 The deliberate release consent would not authorize cultivation in Europe, it would therefore be an offence if LLRICE62
were allowed to persist in the environment either as a result of spillage or inadvertent cultivation.
Annex 3 – page 21
LIKELIHOOD OF DISSEMINATION IN UK: HIGHLY UNLIKELY
It is highly unlikely that viable LLRICE62 would disseminate in the UK. If spillage were to occur it is likely that the seed
would be in a processed form which, even given the right conditions of heat and moisture, would not be capable of
germination.
4
Sugar Beet
C/DE/00/8
Roundup Ready Sugar
Beet derived from
Event H7-1
Monsanto
Transferred from
2001/18/EC
5
Cotton
C/ES/99/01
Stoneville
Pedigreed Seed
Company
Transferred from
2001/18/EC.
Subsequently
withdrawn
For use as any other
sugar beet, including
cultivation.
Herbicide tolerant
BXN cotton lines
10215 and 10222.
For import only.
(“No growing for
experimental or
commercial purposes
will be done”)
LIKELIHOOD OF ESTABLISHMENT IN UK: EXTREMELY UNLIKELY
In the highly unlikely event that spilled seed was to germinate any feral populations would necessarily be very small as they
would be restricted to the specific location giving rise to the microclimate. If, in the highly unlikely event that plants did
reach maturity there is no risk of geneflow outside these small areas as there are no sexually compatible crops or wild
relatives in the UK. . Furthermore, it would constitute a breach of consent and would be subject to enforcement action by
the appointed enforcement authority.
Grounds FOR possible UK cultivation/establishment:
 RR sugar beet event H7-1 is intended for use as any other sugar beet, including cultivation, in the EU;
 Sugar beet is currently grown in several areas of the UK;
 The simplified weed control offered by glyphosate tolerance may appeal to many UK growers. There may also be an
economic incentive in terms of lower chemical inputs and reduced man-hours.
Grounds AGAINST possible UK cultivation/establishment:
 The market for the harvested product may be restricted in the UK due to potential consumer opposition to GM products.
LIKELIHOOD OF CULTIVATION IN UK: POSSIBLE
If consent C/DE/00/8 is granted there is a high likelihood that a proportion of UK growers will wish to adopt this technology.
With sugar beet, however, there is an additional consideration which must be taken into account, and this is the influence of
British Sugar PLC who currently control all UK sugar beet production. In the present consumer climate it is unlikely that
British Sugar will wish to adopt GM technology due to lack of consumer demand, however, it is possible that this position
will change in the future.
Grounds FOR possible UK dissemination/establishment:
 There is the possibility of unintended spillage of cotton seed. Given the appropriate conditions of warmth and moisture
this seed could germinate and grow. Such conditions may exist (on a very limited basis, e.g. heat vents) within the
vicinity of docks or processing plants.
Grounds AGAINST possible UK dissemination/establishment:
 Spilled cotton seed is highly unlikely to germinate and establish in the UK due to the unfavourable climatic conditions;
 If cotton seed did germinate and establish the risk of geneflow is non-existent as there are no sexually compatible crops
or wild species in the UK.
 The deliberate release consent would not authorize cultivation in Europe, it would therefore be an offence if BXN cotton
lines 10215 and 10222 were allowed to persist in the environment either as a result of spillage or inadvertent cultivation.
Annex 3 – page 22
6
Oilseed Rape
C/DE/96/5
Bayer CropScience
Transferred from
2001/18/EC.
Subsequently
withdrawn
Glufosinate tolerant
winter oilseed rape
Falcon GS40/90
pHoe6/Ac
For use as any other
OSR, including
cultivation.
Note: as of Dec 2004
the scope of the
application was
reduced to no longer
include cultivation.
7
Oilseed Rape
C/DE/98/6
Glufosinate tolerant
Oilseed Rape Liberator
pHoe6/Ac
Bayer CropScience
Transferred from
2001/18/EC.
Subsequently
withdrawn
For use as any other
OSR, including
cultivation.
Note: as of Dec 2004
the scope of the
application was
LIKELIHOOD OF DISSEMINATION/ESTABLISHMENT IN UK: EXTREMELY UNLIKELY
It is highly unlikely that BXN cotton lines 10215 and 10222 would disseminate and establish in the UK. In the unlikely event
that spilled seed was to germinate the feral population would necessarily be very small as it would be restricted to the specific
location giving rise to the microclimate. If the plants did reach maturity there is no risk of geneflow outside these small areas
as there are no sexually compatible crops or wild species in the UK. Furthermore, it would constitute a breach of consent and
would be subject to enforcement action by the appointed enforcement authority.
Grounds FOR possible UK cultivation/establishment:
 Falcon GS40/90 pHoe6/Ac is intended for use as any other OSR, including cultivation, in the EU;
 Winter oilseed rape is currently widely grown throughout the UK;
 The simplified weed control offered by glufosinate tolerance may appeal to many UK growers. There may also be an
economic incentive in terms of lower chemical inputs and reduced man-hours.
 The granting of consent C/DE/96/5 may increase the possibility of Falcon GS40/90 pHoe6/Ac being erroneously
imported into the UK as seed for cultivation, or being present accidentally in other oilseed rape seeds for cultivation.
Grounds AGAINST possible UK cultivation/establishment:
 The market for the harvested product may be restricted in the UK due to potential consumer opposition to GM products.
 The deliberate release consent would not authorize cultivation in Europe, it would therefore be an offence if Falcon
GS40/90 pHoe6/Ac oilseed rape were allowed to persist in the environment either as a result of spillage or inadvertent
cultivation.
LIKELIHOOD OF DISSEMINATION/ESTABLISHMENT IN UK: POSSIBLE
If consent C/DE/96/5 is granted there is a high likelihood that a proportion of UK growers will wish to adopt this technology.
The deciding factor will be whether or not there is a market for the crop, and this will depend on the attitude of the crushing
companies, which in turn is likely to be influenced by consumer preferences. A major factors influencing consumer
preference may be the use the oil is put to (e.g. food versus industrial use). Furthermore, it would constitute a breach of
consent and would be subject to enforcement action by the appointed enforcement authority.
Grounds FOR possible UK cultivation/establishment:
 Liberator pHoe6/Ac is intended for use as any other OSR, including cultivation, in the EU;
 Winter oilseed rape is currently widely grown throughout the UK;
 The simplified weed control offered by glufosinate tolerance may appeal to many UK growers. There may also be an
economic incentive in terms of lower chemical inputs and reduced man-hours.
 The granting of consent C/DE/98/6 may increase the possibility of Liberator pHoe6/Ac being erroneously imported into
the UK as seed for cultivation, or being present accidentally in other oilseed rape seeds for cultivation.
Grounds AGAINST possible UK cultivation/establishment:
 The market for the harvested product may be restricted in the UK due to potential consumer opposition to GM products.
LIKELIHOOD OF DISSEMINATION/ESTABLISHMENT IN UK: POSSIBLE
Annex 3 – page 23
reduced to no longer
include cultivation.
If consent C/DE/98/6 is granted there is a high likelihood that a proportion of UK growers will wish to adopt this technology.
The deciding factor will be whether or not there is a market for the crop, and this will depend on the attitude of the crushing
companies, which in turn is likely to be influenced by consumer preferences. A major factor influencing consumer preference
may be the use the oil is put to (e.g. food versus industrial use). However, it would constitute a breach of consent and would
be subject to enforcement action by the appointed enforcement authority.
Annex 3 – page 24