Final Health and Environmental Risk Assessment of Genetically Modified Carnation Moonberry IFD25958-3
Authors: Andreassen Åshild , Asare Nana Yaa Ohene , Bakke Anne Marie , Finne Merethe Aasmo , Jevnaker Anne Marthe , Junttila Olavi , Sipinen Ville Erling , Vikse Rose , Brandtzæg Per , Dalen Knut Helkås , Dalen Knut Tomas , Meadow Richard , Nielsen Kåre M. , Sanden Monica , Opsahl-Sorteberg Hilde-Gunn 
Published: March 2021

Genetically modified carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) line IFD-25958-3 with product name Moonberry™, expresses three introduced traits. The dfr gene from Petunia x hybrida and the f3′5′h gene from Viola hortensis, coding for dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR) and flavonoid 3′,5′-hydroxylase (F3′5′H), respectively, lead to the biosynthesis of anthocyanin pigments, which confer the desired violet/blue colour to the flowers. A mutated als gene (SuRB) from Nicotiana tabacum has also been inserted, coding for an acetolactate synthase (ALS) variant protein and thereby conferring tolerance to the active, ALS-inhibiting, herbicidal substances chlorimuron, thifensulfuron and sulfonylureas, used to facilitate the selection of GM shoots during genetic transformation. Of note, carnation Moonberry IFD25958-3 contained a hairpin RNA interference (RNAi) gene, which down-regulates endogenous dfr. Bioinformatics analyses of the inserted DNA and flanking sequences in carnation Moonberry IFD-25958-3 have not indicated a potential production of putative harmful proteins or polypeptides caused by the genetic modification. Genomic stability of the functional insert and consistent expression of the dfr and f3′5′h genes, have been shown over several generations of carnation Moonberry IFD-25958-3. Data reported from several field trials show that carnation Moonberry IFD-25958-3 petals contain higher levels of the anthocyanins delphinidin and cyanidin, and lower levels of pelargonidin compared to the non-GM (conventional) carnation counterpart Cerise Westpearl (CW). Other morphological traits were reported and along with differing petal colour, carnation Moonberry IFD-25958-3 differed significantly in nine traits compared to conventional carnation counterpart CW. Aqueous extracts from leaves or petals showed no mutagenic activity in vitro. ALS, DFR, and F3’5’H proteins do not show sequence resemblance to known toxins or IgE-dependent allergens, nor have they been reported to be toxic to animals or cause IgE-mediated allergic reactions. The anthocyanins delphinidin and cyanidin are present in numerous foods and are also approved food additives. Carnations are cultivated in Norway, but since 1) the intended uses includes import of cut flowers for ornamental use only, 2) the spread and viability of pollen from the cut flowers is low, 3) seed formation in cut flowers is unlikely to occur, and 4) spread of inserted genes to target or non-target organisms is either unlikely to occur or is not of biological relevance, the VKM GMO Panel does not consider that carnation Moonberry IFD-25958-3 represents an environmental risk in Norway.

Considering that carnation Moonberry IFD-25958-3 is not intended for cultivation or use as food or feed, the VKM GMO Panel considers that comparative analysis of the newly synthesised anthocyanin pigments delphinidin, cyanidin and pelargonidin in its petals is sufficient for the risk assessment. The reported morphological differences between Moonberry IFD-25958-3 and its conventional carnation counterpart Cerise Westpearl (CW) do not raise safety concerns. It is unlikely that the DFR, F3’5’H or ALS proteins, or the delphinidin or cyanidin pigments, will introduce a toxic or allergenic potential in Moonberry IFD-25958-3.

Based on current knowledge and information supplied by the applicant, and considering the intended use, which excludes cultivation and use as food and feed, the VKM GMO Panel concludes that Moonberry IFD-25958-3 is as safe as its conventional counterpart CW.

Based on the current knowledge and considering its import, distribution and intended use as cut ornamental flowers, the VKM GMO Panel concludes that it is unlikely that carnation Moonberry IFD-25958-3 will have any adverse effects on the biotic or abiotic environment in Norway.