Changes in Fecundity Do Not Predict Invasiveness: A Model Study of Transgenic Plants

摘要: Recent advances in genetic engineering have improved the ability of crop plants to withstand abiotic stresses (including herbicides) and attack from natural enemies (Gould 1988, Gasser Fraley 1989, Hilder Gatehouse 1990). While engineered crops potential revolutionize agriculture, their commercial use has been hindered by concerns about spread weeds that acquire resistance genes closely related transgenic (Ellstrand Keeler Tiedje et al. 1989). Any attempt assess this risk requires we understand how indirectly alter performance competitive plants. The current procedure for detecting changes invasiveness involves comparing fecundity survival individuals with without an introduced gene (OTA Dunwell Paul assumption underlying these trials is will be reflected species. In a pair experiments I measured conferring family sulfonylurea herbicides influences weedy annual Arabidopsis thaliana when are absent. first experiment was designed test relative fitness resistant susceptible isolines under field conditions. This represents exactly sort comparison ecologists recommended assessing associated notion if particular genotype produces fewer seeds or lower than wild-type plants, it less likely invade communities. second simulated invasion introducing either into replicated plots background vegetation. After one generation compared genotypes invade. theory, evaluations should predict success (or lack thereof) gene. By per-