Gene flow in sugar beet production fields

Concern has grown in Europe over the agricultural and environmental impacts of genetically engineered (GE) crops, especially about gene flow to conventional varieties and wild relatives.

Contrary to most crops that are grown for their seed or fruit, sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) is grown for its root. Therefore, pollen-mediated gene flow in root production areas is not a concern in the debate on GE and non-GE crop co-existence, including table beet and chard in private gardens.

Source checkbiotech