300278 VO GMO - the ecological perspective (2016S)

The emphasis of the lecture is placed on genetically modified (GM) crops. GM animals are thematised to a lower extent, because currently they have a smaller importance.

What are genetically modified organisms and how are they produced? On which modifications is the present focus and which impacts are expected to occur on the natural biocenosis? Selective advantage of transgenes and selective neutral traits, impacts on the agrarian ecosystems originating from changes in the agrarian management due to the cultivation of GMOs (herbicide management), experience from other countries (e.g. Canada: 'gene stacking'), the current situation in the EU, ecological risk assessment of the crops oilseed rape, maize, potato and apricot. Coexistence management and evaluation of the proposed measures (e.g. thresholds, isolation distances, natural pollen-barriers) from an ecological point of view.