Assessment of Gene Flow from Genetically Modified Anthracnose-Resistant Chili Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) to a Conventional Crop

We conducted a 2-year field assessment of the gene flow from genetically modified (GM) chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), containing the PepEST (pepper esterase) gene, to a non-GM control line WT512 and two commercial hybrid cultivars, Manidda and Cheongpung Myeongwol (CM). After seeds were collected from the pollen-recipient non-GM plants, hybrids between them and the GM peppers were screened by a hygromycin assay. PCR with the targeting hpt gene was performed to confirm the presence of transgenes in hygromycin-resistant seedlings. Out of 7,071 WT512 seeds and 6,854 Manidda seeds collected in 2006, eight and 12 hybrids, respectively, were detected. In 2007, 33 hybrids from 3,456 WT512 seeds and 50 hybrids from 3,457 CM seeds were found. The highest frequency of gene flow, 6.19%, was observed in that 2007 trial. These results suggest that a limited isolation distance would be sufficient to prevent gene flow from GM to conventionally bred chili peppers.