Question
If nonGMO zucchini is pollinated by GMO zucchini is it also GMO? Would thewhole immature fruit or just the mature seeds test positive for GMO?
Submitted by: Joe Rucker
Answer
Expert response from Kevin Folta
Professor and Chairman, Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida
Friday, 27/06/2014 10:05
First, there is no GM zucchini, but I'll be happy to chase a hypothetical scenario. The fruit is maternal tissue, meaning that every cell comes from the mother plant's tissues. The only "GMO" part would be the embryo and parts of the seed; potentially somewhere between half and all of the embryos would contain a transgene. I hope this helps.
UPDATED ANSWER (9/29/14)
Dear Joe,
After I posted the original response I received several notes indicating I was incorrect—and I was! About 30% of zucchini is multi-virus resistant, falling under the category of “squash”. We talk about a small acreage of GM squash, and that includes the zucchinis! The multi-virus resistance was bred into traditional zucchini lines from transgenic squash using traditional breeding methods, so the genes transferred are the same.
Everything else I said about the maternal tissues and embryos remains the same. I’m sorry for the confusion. It is a great example of how science works—it is self-correcting. It also shows the utility of something like GMO Answers. When experts have an electronic water cooler to gather around, we tend to help keep the facts straight! That’s important.
Answer
Expert response from Kevin Folta
Professor and Chairman, Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida
Friday, 27/06/2014 10:05
First, there is no GM zucchini, but I'll be happy to chase a hypothetical scenario. The fruit is maternal tissue, meaning that every cell comes from the mother plant's tissues. The only "GMO" part would be the embryo and parts of the seed; potentially somewhere between half and all of the embryos would contain a transgene. I hope this helps.
UPDATED ANSWER (9/29/14)
Dear Joe,
After I posted the original response I received several notes indicating I was incorrect—and I was! About 30% of zucchini is multi-virus resistant, falling under the category of “squash”. We talk about a small acreage of GM squash, and that includes the zucchinis! The multi-virus resistance was bred into traditional zucchini lines from transgenic squash using traditional breeding methods, so the genes transferred are the same.
Everything else I said about the maternal tissues and embryos remains the same. I’m sorry for the confusion. It is a great example of how science works—it is self-correcting. It also shows the utility of something like GMO Answers. When experts have an electronic water cooler to gather around, we tend to help keep the facts straight! That’s important.
