Gene Flow and Fertility

Dr. Laurian S. Robert, Study Leader

Objective

To develop novel technologies to limit the spread of transgenes among plants, preserve elite germplasm and manipulate flower fertility to produce hybrid seeds.

Rationale

One of the major concerns regarding the cultivation of transgenic crops is the uncontrolled spread of transgenes among fields or to related wild species. In this study we are developing a novel technology to control the spread of transgenes and transgenic plants. The approach relies on the modification of the pollen/stigma interactions critical to fertilization. The principal uses of this technology would be to produce hybrid seeds (eg. by preventing pollen from germinating on stigmas from the same flower) and to prevent the spread of transgenes (by preventing pollen from germinating on stigmas of other crops or related wild species). This technology aims to provide a 'lock and key' mechanism to control unwanted outcrossing.