Therefore the risk of dispersal of herbicide resistant traits to New Zealand crops and weeds is significant. We should already be aware of the dangers of introducing exotic species to our environment. Proposed field test sites have inadequate protection to ensure that experimental genetically engineered organisms are not escaping. For example, seeds can be blown by the wind over low fences or carried great distances by birds very quickly. The long term risks of introducing modified brassicas in the premier growing areas of Canterbury are very much greater than those discussed in the current applications.
Mutant weeds raise fear of disaster for farmers.
Dobson, R. Sunday Times, May 26, 1996. The risk of crop transgene spread. Research Notes, Genetic Crops. Hoffman, T., Golz, C. and Schieder, O. Curr. Gene dispersal from transgenic potatoes to conspecifics.