Variability of plum pox virus populations in ppv-resistant transgenic and non-transgenic plums

Abstract

To determine the resistance to PPV in natural conditions, transgenic plums (Prunus domestica) carrying the coat protein gene of Plum pox virus (PPV) were established in the open field in Valencia, Spain in 1997. To assess the environmental impact that the release of transgenic plums to the field has on the dynamic and diversity of virus population, the variability of PPV populations present in transgenic vs. non-transgenic plums was compared. Serological and molecular characterisation of the PPV isolates from transgenic and non-transgenic plums was carried out. No differences in the serological or molecular variability of the PPV populations present in transgenic and non-transgenic plums was detected. The results of this work could shed light on concerns about potential biological and environmental risks associated with the liberation of genetically modified plants in the open field.