Pollen flow evaluation to implement a Quick Monitoring Index (QMI)

In this work we studied the pollen flow of a selected range of crops which could be genetically transformed in the near future. The study is part of LIFE08 NAT/IT/342 DEMETRA project which aims at developing a quick monitoring index to rapidly assess the influence on ecosystems of transgenic crops. To do this three experimental plots were selected in the Migliarino – San Rossore – Massaciuccoli Regional Park (Tuscany, Italy). The plots were characterized by different cropped areas: maize, sunflower, oilseed rape, Italian stone pine, and poplar. Pollen traps were installed within the plots taking into account the distance from crops and wind direction. A pollen dispersal simulation model was used to assess the potential contamination levels due to maize crops. Our results show that maize pollen covered up to a distance of 160 m from the cultivated area; pollen granules of oilseed rape, sunflower, pine and poplar were detected up to a distance of 34 m, 19 m, 269 m and 380 m, respectively. The pollen dispersal simulation model provided spatial explicit estimations of the contamination levels in term of maize pollen granules concentration.