SUGARCANE SEXUAL REPRODUCTION IN A COMMERCIAL ENVIRONMENT: RESEARCH TO UNDERPIN REGULATORY DECISIONS FOR GENETICALLY MODIFIED SUGARCANE

RESEARCH and development into sugarcane improvement via genetic modification (GM) continues and worldwide, the effort is expanding through interest from large international corporations. Large multinational companies involved in the development and introduction of GM technology in other GM crops are now making alliances and investment in sugarcane. The increasing interest in GM sugarcane research and development has encouraged us to understand sugarcane in the context of the regulatory frameworks that will have to be passed prior to approval for commercial release of GM sugarcane. We have identified and quantified the sexual life cycle of sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrids) in commercial fields and in a sexually compatible species (Saccharum spontaneum L.) in a series of field observations and experiments in northern Queensland. Commercially-grown sugarcane does undergo sexual reproduction in some regions in Australia and in some situations its genetic material can be dispersed through pollen or seeds. Our research has identified some specific issues for consideration when assessing the potential environmental impact of GM sugarcane cultivars prior to commercial release. Moreover, our findings can be used to develop management strategies where necessary to reduce further the likelihood of environmental impacts resulting from GM sugarcane.