• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.32 no.8
• /
• pp.641-646
• /
• 2022

There are concerns about the environmental release of living modified organism (LMO) maize created to increase yields. In fact, there are cases in which LMO crops for feed have been leaked in Korea to form autoite colonies, and concerns about LMO spill are intensifying. In this study, the possibility of environmental outflow and occurrence of native organisms was analyzed using maize feed and seeds distributed in Korea. In the evaluation of the possibility of spontaneous occurrence of maize in the event of an unintentional release of maize feed made by crushing maize, the incidence rate of maize was 0.01%, which was extremely low compared to the germination rate of maize seeds. A survey of the dormant rate of maize showed that all maize seeds collected every month were dead. In the germination rate test by temperature using Daehak wax corn and Kwangpyeongok, high germination rates were found at 20℃ and 30℃, and relatively low germination rates were found at 10℃ and 40℃. In addition, all germination tests showed a higher germination rate Daehak wax corn than Kwangpyeongok. The difference between domestic and overseas cultivation maize was confirmed through a survey on the agricultural properties of three varieties of maize. The data obtained through this experiment could be the basis for the evaluation of the weediness potential of environmental risk assessment and technology to suppress the occurrence of autoite in preparation for future LMO spills.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
• /
• v.61 no.4
• /
• pp.305-314
• /
• 2018

'New Breeding Techniques (NBTs)' have been one of hot issues, since their future will be affected profoundly by national as well as international regulatory landscapes. In this review, we compare characteristics of NBTs with conventional and genetic modification, and analyze genetically modified organism (GMO) regulatory systems in the context of possible regulation of NBTs. NBTs are very heterogeneous in terms of principles, methodologies, and final products. As Living Modified Organisms (LMO) is defined in the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB) as an organism containing novel combination of genetic materials obtained by the use of modern biotechnology, CPB as well as other national legislations locate itself somewhere in the middle between product-based and process-based regulations. It is also noted that jurisdictions with regulatory systems more oriented to product-based one tend to be more productive and decide or may decide to exempt site-directed nucleases-1 from GMO regulation. In this context, Korean legislations are reviewed to clarify the commons and differences in GMO definitions. Act on Transboundary Movement of LMO Act, Food Sanitation Act and Agricultural and Fishery Products Quality Control Act are three major acts to regulate GMOs. It is noted that there are differences in the definition of LMO or GM food/products especially between the LMO Act and the Food Sanitation Act. Such differences may cause conflicts between Acts when policy-decision regarding the regulation of NBTs is made. Therefore, it is necessary to reorganize legislations before policies regarding the regulation of any techniques from biotechnology are made.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
• /
• v.44 no.1
• /
• pp.97-106
• /
• 2017

Living modified crops are genetically modified living organisms and are widely used in biotechnical research and desired goods. As the reliance on LM products, concerns about safety of LMOs have been continuously increased in South Korea. We established the detection methods for unintentional released LMOs in environmental conditions. To detect six LM event genes of 1 canola, 1 maize and 4 soybeans, PCR conditions were based upon consideration of the Joint Research Centre information. Genomic DNAs were isolated from LM samples and PCR analysis were performed using each event-specific primer pair. Event-specific genes of all events were efficiently recognized by our methods. To investigate the insertion site of LM genes in each genome, we verified PCR product sequence by DNA sequencing. These results suggest that the LM event-specific gene amplification can be efficiently developed. In addition, our detection method is fit for monitoring and post-management of LM crops in the environment.

• The Korean Society of Law and Medicine
• /
• v.12 no.1
• /
• pp.43-67
• /
• 2011

Humankind history is faced with one gigantic turning point due to development of Living genetically Modified Organisms. Food production by means of LMO is on the acceleration in an effort to solve the shortage of food problems. Food is also used as alternative energy source. Use of LMO product is not only limited to food and energy, but is actively utilized in various fields of medicines. This paper is first to check out the state of biomedicine developed and associated problems from industries that use LMO, after which we made an attempt on legislative approach to find out means of relief, through examples of such laws legislated for the sufferer from the adverse effect of the biomedicine. As for the liable subject to bear the responsibility for compensatory damage in a way of relieving the victim owing to adverse effect of biomedicine, those who manufactured and sold biomedicine and who are related to the damage to the victim due to the accident and medical doctors and pharmacists who prescribe and administer the medicine in question have been looked into. Accidents involving medicines and medical supplies could take place without reason for imputation on part of the liable subjects or fault of the victim, in which case the victim can't receive damage compensation from any of both parties. When such accidents happened turn out to be no fault accidents, introduction of damage relief measures might have to be reviewed against side effects of medicine and medical supplies as no fault compensation in order for actual relief to be possible. Talking about technicality of legislation, we can suggest a method of strengthening the accountability of manufacturer for stereotypical agenda on biomedicines by newly legislating special regulation with an issue that resists claim on risks associated with the development of medicine and incorporating the same into Manufactured Product Liability Law. After all, when an accident happens associated with biomedicine, the damage will be done to the consumer. And the consumer will be exposed to fatal danger even without the time to cope with potential risks associated with medicine and medical supplies they take. Therefore, it is necessary to protect the potential victim by having the manufacturer of biomedicines bear the liability of medical risks.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
• /
• v.35 no.1
• /
• pp.5-12
• /
• 2008

The transgenic technologies and their product (living modified organisms) have been developed and commercialized enough to get much attention in terms of their potentials to solve the current global difficulties such as shortage of food and energy. Furthermore, they are expected to make a big role in improving human health levels and creating bio-economy as innovative tools to pursue environmentally sound economic development. However, for the technologies and products to be developed and used in such a way that they continuously give a good impact to human society, first and foremost safety issues surrounding them should be dealt with. Every stage from in-house R&D, pilot field application to on the shelves should be managed to ensure safety following them because many consumers tend to have fear before they get the right or needed information on the modern biotechnology. In this sense, managing research facilities and LMOs for R&D from the point of safety is very crucial in that they are in the early stage of technology or product development. This paper especially deals with those to be complied with by researchers according to the Act on transboundary movement of LMOs, etc, entered into the effect from Jan. 1 2008.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
• /
• v.39 no.4
• /
• pp.415-422
• /
• 2021

Cotton is an important fiber crop, and its seeds are used as feed for dairy cattle. Crop biotechnology has been used to improve agronomic traits and quality in the agricultural industry. The frequent unintentional release of LM cotton into the environment in South Korea is attributed to the increased application of living modified (LM) cotton in food, feed, and processing industries. To identify and monitor the LM cotton, a method for detecting the approved LM cotton in South Korea is required. In this study, we developed a method for the simultaneous detection of four LM cotton varieties, MON757, MON88702, COT67B, and GHB811. The genetic information of each LM event was obtained from the European Commission-Joint Research Centre and Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency. We designed event-specific primers to develop a multiplex PCR method for LM cotton and confirmed the specific amplification. Using specificity assay, random reference material(RM) mixture analysis and limit of detection(LOD), we verified the accuracy and specificity of the multiplex PCR method. Our results demonstrate that the method enabled the detection of each event and validation of the specificity using other LM RMs. The efficiency of multiplex PCR was further verified using a random RM mixture. Based on the LOD, the method identified 25 ng of template DNA in a single reaction. In summary, we developed a multiplex PCR method for simultaneous detection of four LM cotton varieties, for possible application in LM volunteer analysis.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
• /
• v.22 no.2
• /
• pp.125-134
• /
• 2013

Plant virus coat (CP) gene-mediated protection is one of the best known approaches to protect against virus resistant transgenic plants. Transgenic N. benthamiana plants containing the CP gene of Zucchini green mottle mosaic virus (ZGMMV) were used for the environmental risk assessment of the living modified (LM) plants with plant virus resistance. The most optimal co-infection method of both ZGMMV and CMV (Cucumber mosaic virus) on Non-LM and CP-expressing LM tobacco plants was established and co-infection of CMV and ZGMMV was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). To address the effects of LM tobacco plants on the mutation of the virus, in-vitro transcripts of CP and Replicase (Rep) derived from CMV and/or ZGMMV were inoculated onto Non-LM or LM tobacco plants. Mutation frequency of CP and Rep from CMV and ZGMMV was examined through six serial passages in Non-LM and LM tobacco plants. Little actual frequency of mutation was estimated, probably due to the limited number of transgenic plants tested in this study. However, it does not suggest environmental safety of these CP-mediated LM plants. Further study at a larger scale is needed to evaluate the environmental risk associated with the CP-expressing LM plants.

• Proceedings of the National Institute of Ecology of the Republic of Korea
• /
• v.2 no.2
• /
• pp.129-138
• /
• 2021

Living modified organisms (LMOs) are managed by seven government agencies according to their use in South Korea. The Ministry of Environment is responsible for LMOs used for environmental remediation. This study aimed to develop guidelines for assessing potential risks posed by transgenic plants used for remediation to insect ecosystems by investigating arthropod communities in sunflower fields. A total of 2,350 insects and spiders belonging to 134 species of 10 orders and 71 families were collected from sunflower fields over four growth stages ranging from anthesis to seed maturity. At the R3 phase of flower-bud formation, Chironomidae sp. of a decomposer insect guild presented the highest density, while Apis mellifera of a pollinator guild was the most abundant in the R5.8 phase of flowering. During the R7 seed-filling phase and the R9 phase of seed maturity, herbivorous Pochazia shantungensis predominated. During the R9 phase, richness and diversity indices of arthropod communities were distinctly lower whereas their dominance indices were significantly higher than those at other phases. In addition, the composition of arthropod communities was strongly correlated not only with the sampling date, but also with the sampling method depending on the growth stage of sunflowers. Our results suggest that appropriate sampling timing and methods should be considered in advance and that long-term field trials that cover a variety of environmental conditions should be carried out to evaluate potential risks to insect ecosystems.

• Weed & Turfgrass Science
• /
• v.3 no.4
• /
• pp.305-311
• /
• 2014

The cultivation area and use of genetically modified (GM) crops have been increased continuously over the world. Seed distribution and transgenes to environmental ecosystem is one of the most important factors in risk assessment and risk management of GM crop. Safe management for the development and commercialization of GM crops is required according to The Act on Transboundary Movements of Living Modified Organisms,etc (LMO Act) in Korea. This study was conducted to setup the environmental monitoring system of GM zoysiagrass (event JG21 and JG21-MS). The monitoring was performed in 4 GMO confined fields, Sungwhan, Ochang, Jeju University and Jeju Namwon. In the result of monitoring, we could not found any gene flow and distribution of GM zoysiagrass in the 3 fields, but one spill of JG21 was found in the Namwon field in 2012. These results suggest that continuous monitoring is necessary to detect the occurrence of GM zoysiagrass for preventing genetic contamination in natural environment.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
• /
• v.45 no.1
• /
• pp.77-82
• /
• 2018

In South Korea, LM crops are not allowed to grow locally, but have been allowed to be imported as food and feed purposes. Currently, the typical LMO imports are continuously increasing in the region of South Korea. In 2014, we carried out a review of the environmental release monitoring of LM maize (Zea mays L.) in Gyeonggi-do of South Korea, and analyzed volunteer samples using strip test kits and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods. We thereby collected 44 volunteers of released LM maize in 169 locations around ports, from roadsides, feed factories and stockbreeding farmhouses. We found 4 positive samples at 3 sites using strip test kits. Based on the PCR analysis, the LM maize plants were found using event-specific primers. These results suggested that our monitoring is necessary to detect the presence of released LM maize in the natural environment of South Korea.