Summary Notification

General information

Notification Number
B/PL/07/02-01

Member State to which the notification was sent
Poland

Date of acknowledgement from the Member State Competent Authority
12/09/2007

Title of the Project
Investigation of the influence of genetically modified maize resistant to glyphosate (NK603) on weed population in crop rotation compared with conventional weed control system in maize

Proposed period of release:
01/04/2008 to 30/12/2010

Name of the Institute(s) or Company(ies)
Plant Protection Institute (Instytut Ochrony Roslin), Wl. Wegorka 20
60-318 Poznan
Poland;

3. Is the same GMPt release planned elsewhere in the Community?
Yes:
Czech Republic; Germany; Denmark; Spain; France; Lithuania; Sweden;

Has the same GMPt been notified elsewhere by the same notifier?
No

Genetically modified plant

Complete name of the recipient or parental plant(s)

Common Name	Family Name	Genus	Species	Subspecies	Cultivar/breeding line
maize	poaceae	zea	zea mays	mays	NK 603

2. Description of the traits and characteristics which have been introduced or modified, including marker genes and previous modifications:
NK603 Roundup Ready maize was modified by incorporation of a restriction fragment of plasmid DNA, designated as PV-ZMGT32L, into the maize genome using a particle acceleration method.
NK603 Roundup Ready maize was generated using a particle acceleration transformation system and a gel-isolated MluI fragment, PV ZMGT32L, containing a 5-enolpyruvyl¬shikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) gene from Agro¬bacterium sp. strain CP4 (CP4 EPSPS). The cp4 epsps gene encodes a tolerant form of EPSPS, which confers glyphosate (Roundup Ready®) tolerance to the plant
The expression of glyphosate-tolerant CP4 EPSPS proteins in NK603 Roundup Ready® maize plants imparts tolerance to glyphosate (N-phosphonomethyl-glycine), the active ingredient in the non-selective, foliar-applied, broad-spectrum, post-emergent herbicide Roundup Ready®
EPSPS is an enzyme involved in the shikimic acid pathway for aromatic amino acid biosynthesis in plants and micro-organisms. CP4 EPSPS enzymes have been shown to have significantly reduced affinity for glyphosate when compared with the wild-type maize enzyme, and to retain catalytic activity in the presence of the inhibitor glyphosate.

Genetic modification

3. Type of genetic modification:
Insertion;

In case of insertion of genetic material, give the source and intended function of each constituent fragment of the region to be inserted:
The CP4 EPSPS gene from Agro¬bacterium sp. strain CP4.

6. Brief description of the method used for the genetic modification:
NK603 Roundup Ready maize was modified by incorporation of a restriction fragment of plasmid DNA, designated as PV-ZMGT32L, into the maize genome using a particle acceleration method
NK603 Roundup Ready maize was generated using a particle acceleration transformation system and a gel-isolated MluI fragment, PV ZMGT32L, containing a 5-enolpyruvyl¬shikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) gene from Agro¬bacterium sp. strain CP4 (CP4 EPSPS). The cp4 epsps gene encodes a tolerant form of EPSPS, which confers glyphosate (Roundup) tolerance to the plant.

Experimental Release

1. Purpose of the release:
The aim of this experimental release is to conduct the field trials during 3 growing seasons. Data collected from these trials will be useful to determine the influence of Roundup Ready maize on weed population regarding to maintenance of biodiversity in environment. The field flora will be examined in detail both on plots with GMO maize with glyphosate applications and on plots with conventional weed control system (other herbicides).

2. Geographical location of the site:
Experimental field of Plant Protection Institute at Winna Gora,
Wielkopolska region
63-013 Szlachcin

3. Size of the site (m2):
Area of releasing will cover 2 fields 1600 m2 each (total area 3200 m2)

4. Relevant data regarding previous releases carried out with the same GM-plant, if any, specifically related to the potential environmental and human health impacts from the release:
Multi-year field-testing and post-marketing experience provided no significant evidence that grain and derived products from NK603 Roundup Ready maize and its progeny are likely to cause any adverse effects to human or animal health and the environment.

Environmental Impact and Risk Management

Summary of the potential environmental impact from the release of the GMPts:
It is concluded that, like traditional maize, the likelihood of unintended spreading of NK603 into non-agronomic environments is negligible, as its persistence in agricultural habitats and its invasiveness into natural habitats are unaltered compared to traditional maize. In the highly unlikely event of the establishment of a NK603 plant in the natural environment, the glyphosate-tolerance trait would confer only a limited selective advantage (tolerance to glyphosate-containing herbicides) of short duration, narrow spatial extent and have negligible consequences for the environment. Hence the risk for unintended spreading of NK603 through increased weediness of this maize is negligible.
As the risk is negligible, no risk management strategies are considered applicable.

Brief description of any measures taken for the management of risks:
No adverse effects of the GMHP have been identified. This indicates that a requirement for case-specific post-release monitoring is not appropriate, which is consistent with approvals granted in other world areas
NK603 maize has been commercialized alongside stewardship programmes involving downstream stakeholders in the use of this maize, in order to ensure the implementation of good agricultural practice in its cultivation and to ensure a channel of communication in the unlikely event that unanticipated adverse effects might occur.
Even thoughapplicant will implement:
- strict control of seed before, during and after sowing
- isolation distances (200 m from other field with maize)
- regular monitoring of experimental field during all growing season
- possibility of trials cancellation in any moment

Final report
-

European Commission administrative information

Consent given by the Member State Competent Authority:
Not known

Notification report