Construction of risk assessment manual for genetically modified rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Worldwide, grain consumption is increased and grain prices are rising. This has led to a steady increase in the production of highly productive and more affordable genetically modified (GM) crops. However, GM crops are highly concerned about potential environmental risks due to the introduction of external genes and genetic modification. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate the environmental risk of genetically modified organisms that can prove the safety of these GM crops. In this research, we analyzed the potential for weediness, unintended gene transfer, and viability in the natural environment for risk assessment of GM rice. To analyze the potential for weediness of GM rice, viviparous germination, shattering, and germination rate were measured. To analyze the potential release of the introduced gene into the environment by unintended gene transfer, the expression of the introduced gene through protein immune response and PCR was analyzed. The seed germination rate of GM rice was measured from low temperature and frozen soil to analyze their survival ability in the natural environment. There was no significant difference between GM rice and parent in all test items. Therefore, the weediness of GM rice did not occur. The items of the GMO risk assessment constructed in this research can be used as important basic material not only for rice but also for GM crops of various varieties.