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Issue Environ. Biosafety Res.
Volume 7, Number 4, October-December 2008
Page(s) 197 - 218
DOI 10.1051/ebr:2008018
Published online 29 October 2008

Environ. Biosafety Res. 7 (2008) 197-218
DOI: 10.1051/ebr:2008018

Gene stacking in transgenic plants: towards compliance between definitions, terminology, and detection within the EU regulatory framework

Isabel Taverniers1, Nina Papazova1, Yves Bertheau2, Marc De Loose1 and Arne Holst-Jensen3

1  Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Unit Technology and Food (T&V), Burg. Van Gansberghelaan 115 bus 2, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
2  Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), SPE, Centre de Versailles-Grignon, RD 10 (Route de St Cyr), 78026 Versailles Cedex, France
3  National Veterinary Institute (NVI), Ullevaalsveien 68, P.O. Box 750 Sentrum, 0106 Oslo, Norway

Received June 29, 2007; accepted July 24, 2008; published online 18 December 2008

Abstract - The combination or stacking of different traits or genes in plants is rapidly gaining popularity in biotech crop production. Here we review the existing terminology regarding gene stacking in plants, and its implications in relation to genetics, biosafety, detectability and European regulations. Different methods of production of stacked gene traits, as well as the status of their cultivation and approval, are reviewed. Related to the different techniques of transformation and production, including classical breeding, and to differences in global authorization and commercialization practices, there are many types, definitions, and perceptions of stacking. These include: (1) stacking of traits and (2) stacking of events, which are the most widely accepted perceptions of stacking, and (3) stacking of genes, which from the analytical and traceability point of view may be a more appropriate perception. These differences in perceptions and definitions are discussed, as are their implications for analytical detection and regulatory compliance according to (in particular) European Union (EU) regulations. A comprehensive terminology regarding gene stacking with regulatory relevance is proposed. The haploid genome equivalent is proposed as the prevailing unit of measurement at all stages throughout the chain, in order to ensure that terminology and definitions of gene stacks are adapted to analytical detection, traceability, and compliance with EU regulations.


Key words: transgenic / GMO / gene stacking / stacked GM plant / pyramiding / transformation / EU regulation / analytical detection

Corresponding author: isabel.taverniers@ilvo.vlaanderen.be

© ISBR, EDP Sciences 2008


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