Absence of detectable transgenes in local landraces of maize in Oaxaca, Mexico (2003–2004)

In 2000, transgenes were detected in local maize varieties (landraces) in the mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico. This region is part of the Mesoamerican center of origin for maize, and the genetic diversity that is maintained in open-pollinated landraces is recognized as an important genetic resource of great cultural value. The presence of transgenes in landraces was significant because transgenic maize has never been approved for cultivation in Mexico.

This document provides a systematic survey of the frequency of transgenes in currently grown landraces. It sampled maize seeds from 870 plants in 125 fields and 18 localities in the state of Oaxaca during 2003 and 2004. No transgenic sequences were detected with highly sensitive PCR-based markers, appropriate positive and negative controls, and duplicate samples for DNA extraction. They conclude that transgenic maize seeds were absent or extremely rare in the sampled fields.

This study provides a much-needed preliminary baseline for understanding the biological, socioeconomic, and ethical implications of the inadvertent dispersal of transgenes from the United States and elsewhere to local landraces of maize in Mexico.