Genetically modified (GM) crops were introduced in South Africa in 1989 and commercially available by 1998. Legislation to control the use of GM crops was only implemented in 1999, with the genetically modified organisms (GMO) act (15 of 1999). In 2012 2.9 million ha of GM crops were planted in South Africa alone. GM Crops, such as Bt maize, are promoted as safer for the environment since no chemical pesticides are needed. However, recently GM crops have been making headlines as more and more studies find adverse effects of these crops on non-target organisms. The effects on aquatic environments have not yet been fully determined, even though traces of Bt residue have been found in water systems surrounding agricultural lands. The aim of this study was to establish the effects of the Bt toxin on fecundity, development and growth of Bulinus tropicus, a freshwater snail. The experiment made use of a static renewal tests to expose B. tropicus to 50 cm2 Bt maize and cotton leaves in 900 ml of synthetic freshwater. The snails were exposed for the duration of one full life cycle (embryo to adult). Endpoints measured included the development, growth, fecundity, and deformities of the reproductive organs. The results obtained showed retarded development and low embryo survival when the snails were exposed to cotton leaves, irrespective of the presence or absence of Bt, indicating to the possibility of trace residues of chemical pesticides may have been present on the leaves. Initial stimulated growth of hatchlings was observed for both Bt cotton and maize exposures, but after sexual maturity has been reached, ‘surplus’ energy was probably shared between growth and fecundity, resulting in a reduction of growth rate. Energy is gained from their diet, thus a sub-optimal diet would result in less energy available to functions such as growth and fecundity. Signs of developmental instability were found in the formation of the shell opening of the snails exposed to Bt. Fecundity decreased significantly after snails had been exposed to Bt maize / cotton leaves. No differences were found in the penis sheath-preputium length ratio, indicating that Bt had no deleterious effects on the reproductive organs. / MSc (Environmental Sciences), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

The global fish population is declining. Aquaculture production is saturated and the global fish stock is operating at an unsustainable level. Genetically modified (GM) fish is a potential solution to relieve the natural fish stock, if the FDA grants the approval. The global fish population is harmed by environmental conditions and the inability for fish to adapt to changing conditions and human interactions. Genetic modification is a growing technology that has the ability to alleviate the fishing industry by modifying fish to grow faster, be disease tolerant, eat plant-based food, and be more nutritious. However, the approval process has been halted by complications in the approval process and government leaders responding to public fears and concerns of the safety of genetically modified fish. This thesis reviews the background of the fishing industry, concerns over GMOs, and analyzes the politics preventing the approval of GM fish. Lastly, this thesis recommends six approaches the FDA should mandate to reassure the public of the safety of GM fish.

The purpose of this paper is to analyse legal regulation of genetically modified organisms ("GMO"). This work consists of seven chapters and focuses especially on differences in regulations of the United States of America ("USA") and European Union ("EU"). While the USA consider GMO equal to other products and have no GMO specific legal norms, the EU regulates GMOs with directives and regulations which set GMO apart from other products. Conclusions are being drawn in last chapter. It is suggested, that the protective and economic approach to the GMOs should be ballanced out on the international law scene, so that the development of biotechnology is not slowed down too much, while safety to human health and environment is guaranteed.

Regulation of genetically modified organisms and nanotechnology (comparison of British, Czech and Slovak legislation in the context of EU) The aim of this thesis is to first compare the british, czech and slovak legislation relating to genetically modified organisms. By the analysis of their respective features, the author points out the difficult bits and tries to look for the ideal solutions to the current problems of the european GM legislation. In spite of the fact, that the european legislation in this field is highly harmonised, there are still some areas that can be regulated by the member states as well as some holes waiting to be fixed. This thesis is composed of six main chapters which correspond to six main topics of present biotechnology legislation that are in the author's opinion the most significant. First chapter deals with the basic issues of releases of genetically modified organisms into the environment, on market, and with their contained use. Secondly, the author dissects the GM labelling and traceability legislation and shows the various thresholds of GM presence that are applicable to different areas. Third chapter then analyses the rules on co-existence between GM plants on one hand and conventional and organic plants on the other. Nextly, the unilateral acts of member...

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar resíduos de glyphosate e AMPA, produtividade, teor de óleo, conteúdo de proteína bruta e aminoácidos na soja (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) resistente ao glyphosate (SRG) após a aplicação de formulações deste herbicida. Foram desenvolvidos experimentos em replicata (E1 e E2) em lísimetro sob condições de campo e a campo. O objetivo dos experimentos em lísimetro foi quantificar resíduos de três formulações de 14C-glyphosate na SRG. O cultivar de soja utilizada foi o MSOY 7575RR em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições para ambos os experimentos. Os tratamentos foram glyphosate (sal de isopropilamina), Roundup Original e Roundup Ready na dose de 1,2 kg e.a ha-1 para as três formulações. A aplicação foi realizada aos 25 DAE. Cada planta recebeu 0,96 mg de equivalente ácido (e. a.) de glyphosate com radioatividade total aplicada de 18,33 kBq. A colheita dos grãos, caules, cascas das vagens, folhas e raízes analisadas ocorreram no estágio de maturação plena (R8). A coleta das folhas tratadas ocorreu entre 40 e 55 DAE. Todos os materiais coletados foram moídos. Alíquotas foram oxidadas e quantificadas por espectrometria de cintilação líquida. Não houve diferença estatística entre as formulações para ambos os experimentos, porém formulações com adjuvantes aumentaram os resíduos de glyphosate. Roundup Ready mostrou tendência ao aumento de resíduos em relação aos demais. O valor máximo de resíduos encontrado nos grãos foi de 1,95 mg kg-1. Os experimentos de campo utilizaram a cultivar de soja MSOY 8000RR em delineamento experimental de parcelas subdivididas em blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições dos seguintes tratamentos: Rodeo, Roundup Original, Roundup Ready, Roundup WG e Controle para as seguintes parcelas (programas): Única - U20 (aplicação única aos 20 dias após a emergencia DAE na dose de 1,2 kg e.a glyphosate ha-1), Única - U30 (aplicação única aos 30 DAE na dose de 1,2 kg e.a glyphosate ha-1), Seqüencial - S20 (aplicação de 0,96 kg e.a glyphosate ha-1 aos 20 DAE e aplicação seqüencial de 0,72 kg e.a. glyphosate ha-1 aos 35 DAE) e Seqüencial - S30 (aplicação de 0,96 kg e.a glyphosate ha-1 aos 30 DAE e aplicação seqüencial de 0,72 kg e.a glyphosate ha-1 aos 45 DAE). A colheita dos grãos analisados em E1 e E2 ocorreu no estágio R8. As variáveis analisadas em grãos da SRG foram: produtividade, teor de óleo, proteína bruta, aminoácidos, resíduos de glyphosate e AMPA. Não houve diferença significativa entre os tratamentos quanto à produtividade, massa de 100 grãos, teor de óleo, conteúdo de proteína bruta e aminoácidos. Houve metabolismo de glyphosate em AMPA e translocação de ambos para os grãos da SRG, exceto para os tratamentos Roundup Original e Roundup Ready, nos programas U20 e S20 do experimento E2. Os maiores níveis de resíduos de glyphosate nos tratamentos Roundup Original e Roundup Ready em U20 e S20 do E2 são devido à presença de adjuvantes destas formulações e provável produtividade de grãos mais baixa do que a média nacional. O maior nível de resíduos de glyphosate foi 0,28 mg kg-1 / The objective of this work was to determine glyphosate and AMPA residues, yield, oil, crude protein content and amino acids in glyphosate-resistant soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) after glyphosate formulations treatment. Experiments (E1 and E2) were performed in lysimeter under field conditions and under field conditions. Lysimeter experiments under field conditions aimed to quantify residues of three formulations of 14C-glyphosate in glyphosate-resistant soybean to this herbicide (GRS). The GRS cultivar used was MSOY 7575RR in a completely randomized design with four replications each treatment. E2 is the E1 replicated 15 days after E1 planting. The treatments were glyphosate isopropylamine, Roundup Ready and Roundup Original at 1.2 kg ae ha-1 for the three formulations. The application was applied on 25 DAE. Each plant received 0.96 mg of acid equivalent (a.e.) glyphosate applied with 18.33 kBq of total radioactivity. Harvest of grains, stems, pod husks, leaves and roots was done at the stage of full maturity (R8). Treated leaves were collected between 40 and 55 DAE. All analysed material was grounded. Aliquotes were oxidized and quantified by liquid scintillation spectrometry. There were no statistical differences among treatments. However, formulations with adjuvants have increased glyphosate residues in GRS. Roundup Ready treatment had a trend to increase residues. The highest glyphosate residual level found in grains was 1.95 mg kg-1. Field experiments were conducted using MSOY 8000 RR variety. The experimental design was a split plot with programmes as main randomized plots and five treatments as subplots having four replications. The treatments were Rodeo, Roundup Original, Roundup Ready, Roundup WG and Control. Programmes were U20 (unique application of 1.2 kg ha-1 a.e. glyphosate at 20 DAE), U30 (unique application of 1.2 kg ha-1 a.e. glyphosate ha-1 at 30 DAE), S20 (apllication of 0.96 kg ha-1 a.e. glyphosate at 20 dae followed by a sequential application of 0.72 kg ha-1 a.e. glyphosate at 35 DAE) and S30 (apllication of 0.96 kg ha-1 a.e. glyphosate at 30 dae followed by a sequential application of 0.72 kg ha-1 a.e. glyphosate at 45 DAE). The analysed variables were: yield, oil content, crude protein, amino acids and glyphosate and AMPA residues. There was glyphosate metabolism in AMPA and translocation of both to GRS grains. The exceptions were Roundup Original and Roundup Ready treatments of E2 on U20 and S20 programs, most likely due the adjuvants of these formulations and the E2 yield lower than the Brazilian average. The highest residue level found in GRS grains was 0.28 mg kg-1

A planta daninha Amaranthus palmeri é nativa dos Estados Unidos, porém foi pela primeira vez relatada no Brasil no ano de 2015. Embora comprovadamente com resistência múltipla aos herbicidas inibidores da ALS e da EPSPS, até o momento não foram investigadas as bases moleculares da resistência. Além disso, por causa da recente introdução da planta daninha no país, alternativas de manejo com culturas tolerantes a herbicidas necessitam ser estudadas. Sendo assim, os objetivos desse trabalho são de caracterizar a espécie de planta daninha introduzida no país, identificar os mecanismos de resistência aos herbicidas inibidores da ALS e da EPSPS presentes no biótipo, e propor abordagens de manejo em ambientes dos novos eventos transgênicos resistentes a herbicidas. Um bioensaio utilizando marcadores genéticos foi desenvolvido para confirmar que a população coletada no estado do Mato Grosso (BR-R) é A. palmeri, e não A. tuberculatus, outra espécie dióica do gênero Amaranthus. Os resultados de experimentos de curvas de dose-resposta e acúmulo de chiquimato indicaram que a BR-R possui alto nível de resistência, com DL50 de 4.426 e 3.400 g glyphosate ha-1 no primeiro e segundo experimento, respectivamente, mais que o dobro da dose típicamente recomendada para o controle da espécie e, adicionalmente, observou se acúmulo mínimo de chiquimato a concentração de 1 mM nos tecidos das plantas tratadas com o herbicida. BR-R também foi resistente a herbicidas dos grupos químicos das sulfoniluréias e imidazolinonas. O mecanismo de resistência ao glyphosate encontrado nesta população foi a super expressão gência, através do aumento no número de cópias do gene da EPSPS no genoma da planta BR-R, entre 50 e 179 cópias adicionais. Além disso, duas substituições de aminoácidos foram observadas na sequência da ALS, W574L e S653N, conferindo resistência tanto a sulfoniluréias quanto a imidazolinonas. No experimento utilizandos os herbicidas correspondentes às culturas geneticamente modificadas com novos traits de tolerância a herbicidas observou se, de uma forma geral, que as associações de herbicidas apresentaram níveis de controle mais satisfatórios. Assim, esta pesquisa confirma a introdução de da espécie A. palmeri no Brasil, assim como a resistência múltipla aos herbicidas inibidores da EPSPS e da ALS. Seu manejo é mais eficaz através da associação de herbicidas, garantindo assim o uso racional das novas tecnologias de culturas geneticamente modificadas com tolerância a herbicidas. / Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) is a weed species native to the United States, but it was reported in Brazil for the first time in 2015. Despite this population being resistant to EPSPS and ALS inhibitors, the molecular basis of its multiple resistance is unknown up to date. Because of this species introduction to Brazil, alternatives of management with the new herbicide-tolerant crops technologies need to be studied. The objectives of this research are to characterize the weed species introduced to Brazil, identify the mechanisms conferring resistance to ALS and EPSPS inhibitors herbicides, and to propose management approaches in environments with the new genetically modified herbicide-tolerant crops. A genotyping bioassay using genetic markers was developed to confirm that the species collected in the state of Mato Grosso (BR-R) is indeed A. palmeri and not A. tuberculatus, another dioceous species in the Amaranthus genus. Dose-response experiments and shikimate accumulation bioassay data indicate high level of resistance, with LD50 of 4,426 and 3,400 g glyphosate ha-1 in the first and second experiments, respectively, higher than the double rate tipically recommended to control it, and minimal accumulation in BR-R with 1 mM of glyphosate in treated plants in the leaf disks assay. BR-R also was resistanto to sulfonilurea and imidazolinone herbicides. The mechanism conferring resistance to glyphosate identified in this population was gene amplification, with increased EPSPS copy number - between 50 and 179 more copies in BR-R. Besides, two target-site mutations were identified in the ALS gene sequencing, W574L and S653N, conferring resistance to sulfonilureas and imidazolinones. The weed control experiment, overal, herbicide tank mixtures achieved higher levels of control. Therefore, this research confirms the introduction of A. palmeri to Brazil, as well as its multiple resistance to EPSPS and ALS inhibitor herbicides. Its control is more efficient with herbicide mixtures, which guarantees more susteinable use of the new herbicide-tolerant crop technologies.

A presente dissertação tem por objetivo demonstrar que a maneira como vem ocorrendo o comércio transfronteiriço de alimentos geneticamente modificados gera dúvidas sobre a aptidão da legislação internacional de regulamentá-lo. Os alimentos transgênicos são resultado do avanço da biotecnologia moderna e interferem diretamente na saúde, na alimentação, na economia, nas relações de consumo e no equilíbrio ambiental. Assim, é direito indispensável de todo cidadão o poder optar e decidir a respeito do alimento que irá ingerir. Embora a biotecnologia moderna tenha trazido grandes avanços para a humanidade, ainda não é possível afirmar que os alimentos transgênicos são totalmente isentos de riscos para a saúde humana, animal e para o meio ambiente. Dessa forma, notase que existem posicionamentos opostos sobre a liberação comercial de OGMs no mundo: de um lado, o entendimento de que há inúmeros benefícios que podem advir da disseminação dos cultivos transgênicos para a agricultura e para o comércio; de outro, o entendimento de que há inúmeras incertezas quantos aos potenciais impactos negativos para a humanidade e para a natureza. Apesar das discussões permanecerem, a comercialização e o consumo de alimentos geneticamente modificados vem crescendo de maneira muito rápida e a nota-se que há uma grande preocupação internacional em se regulamentar o tema, porém, a pluralidade de posicionamentos pode gerar carência de coerência e efetividade na regulamentação existente. O avanço da Ciência é inegavelmente mais rápido que o do Direito. A complexidade do tema é enorme, vez que, ainda que a legislação acompanhe o progresso científico, existem divergências entre compromissos globais comerciais e ambientais, que, devido aos diferentes mecanismos de responsabilização e solução de conflitos do Protocolo de Cartagena e dos Acordos da Organização Mundial do Comércio, tendem à prevalência do interesse econômico em detrimento da proteção ambiental. O desafio está em se compatibilizar o avanço tecnológico com a preservação ambiental da maneira mais consciente possível, evitando situações de irreversibilidade de danos ambientais, o que, inevitavelmente traria impactos sobre o comércio internacional, daí a grande dificuldade. / This dissertation aims to demonstrate that the way that has been occurring cross-border trade of genetically modified foods raises doubts about the ability of international law to regulate it. Transgenic food is a result of the advancement of modern biotechnology and directly interferes in the health, in nutrition, in economy, in consumer relations and in environmental balance. It is therefore essential right of every citizen to be able to choose and decide about the food that will ingest. Although modern biotechnology has brought great advances for humanity, it is not yet possible to affirm that transgenic food are completely free of risks to human, animal health and the environment. Thus, we note that there are opposing positions on the commercial release of GMOs in the world: on one hand, the understanding that there are numerous benefits that can accrue the spread of GM crops for agriculture and trade, on the other, the understanding that there are many uncertainties to numerous potential negative impacts for humanity and nature. Despite discussions remains, marketing and consumption of genetically modified foods has been growing very quickly and we note that there is a great concern in the international regulatory issue, however, the plurality of positions can generate a lack of coherence and effectiveness in existing regulating. The advancement of science is undeniably faster than the law. The complexity of the issue is huge, since, although the legislation accompanies scientific progress, there are differences between commercial and global environmental commitments, which, due to the different mechanisms of accountability and conflict resolution of the Cartagena Protocol and the agreements of the World Trade Organization, tend to the prevalence of economic interests over environmental protection. The challenge is to reconcile the technological advancement with environmental preservation in the more conscientious way possible, avoiding situations of irreversibility of environmental damage, which , would inevitably impacts on international trade, hence the great difficulty.

A atual demanda mundial para redução nas emissões de dióxido de carbono vem aumentando e o uso de etanol como combustível tem sido considerado como uma boa alternativa. Entretanto as condições de cultivo da levedura obrigam o micro-organismo a lidar com diferentes estressores, sendo as altas temperaturas e elevadas concentrações de etanol exemplos dos mais limitantes durante o processo produtivo. Assim, o presente estudo teve como objetivo encontrar mutantes de Saccharomyces cerevisiae que apresentassem maior resistência a altas concentrações de etanol e altas temperaturas concomitantemente. Para isso, utilizamos como modelo a coleção YKO (Invitrogen®), que contém 4,828 linhagens mutantes para genes não essenciais na levedura. Primeiramente, estabelecemos as condições de estresse (concentração de etanol e temperatura) as quais se mostrassem limitantes para o crescimento da linhagem isogênica selvagem (BY4741). Foram estabelecidas as condições de estresse em 10% de etanol em conjunto com aumento de temperatura para 37ºC, que foram então utilizadas para testar a tolerância das linhagens mutantes agrupadas em 53 pools. Foram identificadas as linhagens mutantes para as ORFs UBP15, THI12, CLA4, DIT1 e MTC7 que suportaram tais condições, se mostrando possíveis candidatos para melhora genética em linhagens industriais como PE2 e CAT1. / The current world demand for reduced emissions of carbon dioxide is increasing the use of ethanol as a fuel has been considered as a good alternative. However culture conditions requiring the yeast micro-organism to cope with different stressors, as the high temperatures and high concentrations of ethanol the most lititant examples during the production process. Thus, the present study aimed to find Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutants that having greater resistance to high ethanol concentrations and high temperatures concurrently. For this, we use a model collection YKO (Invitrogen®) which contains 4.828 mutant strains for non-essential genes in yeast. First, we establish the stress conditions (ethanol concentration and temperature) which would prove limiting to the growth of the isogenic wild type (BY4741). Were established stress conditions in 10% ethanol together with temperature rise to 37ºC, which were then used to test the tolerance of mutant strains grouped into 53 pools. The mutant lines were identified for UBP15, THI12, CLA4, DIT1 and MTC7 ORFs who endured such conditions are showing possible candidates for genetic improvement in industrial strains as PE2 and CAT1.

Magister Legum - LLM / The aim of this study is to examine laws and policies relating to food safety in South Africa, specifically with regard to labelling requirements in the food industry. It is hoped that this research will serve as a pointer for policy and legislative reforms in a bid to identify weak areas as well as encourage accountability and strengthen government’s response to the realisation of the right to safe food as a human right imperative. / National Research Foundation (NRF)

Tendo em vista a importância da cadeia produtiva do milho para a economia de diversas regiões do Brasil e a liberalização do cultivo de milho geneticamente modificado (GM) no país, em 2007, esta dissertação tem por objetivo analisar os impactos econômicos de longo prazo da adoção do milho Bt11 nos setores inter-relacionados na cadeia produtiva do milho. Além disso, pretende-se analisar as conseqüências da proibição deste cultivo apenas no estado do Paraná, caso a lei estadual nº14162/03 entrasse em vigor. Para tal, utiliza-se um modelo computável de equilíbrio geral inter-regional estático, do tipo bottom-up, denominado TERM-BR. O modelo abrange os 27 estados e o Distrito Federal, conseguindo analisar os impactos sobre a economia do país, sem perder os detalhes regionais e setoriais. Os efeitos da adoção do milho Bt11 são transmitidos ao longo da sua cadeia produtiva, gerando aumento do PIB, das exportações e do consumo das famílias. Todavia, os resultados são mais expressivos nos setores e regiões diretamente relacionados com a cadeia de comercialização do milho, tais como os setores de criação animal e carnes, localizados em sua maioria no Sul do país. Ao analisar a adoção ou não no estado do Paraná as principais diferenças encontram-se na origem e no destino dos fluxos de capital e mão-de-obra entre as regiões brasileiras. Na primeira simulação, ao admitir que o estado do Paraná adote milho Bt11, observa-se um deslocamento de estoque de capital e mão-de-obra para a região Sul, apesar do PIB do Centro-Oeste e Sudeste também aumentar. Considerando que o Paraná não adote milho Bt11, observa-se que tanto a mão-de-obra, quanto o estoque de capital se deslocam para o Centro-Oeste, contudo é possível observar um pequeno aumento no PIB e no consumo das famílias da região Sul. Os resultados mais expressivos ocorrem no próprio estado do Paraná, onde não apenas o setor de milho, como também os setores a jusante perdem competitividade, reduzindo o nível de atividade, emprego e consumo das famílias. Como esses setores possuem grande representatividade no PIB do estado, este também apresenta redução. / Due to the importance of the productive chain of corn to the economy of different regions of Brazil and the liberalization of genetically modified (GM) corn cultivation in the country in 2007, this study aims to analyze the long-run economic impacts of the adoption of Bt11 corn in the inter-related sectors of the productive corn chain. Moreover, it is intended to analyze the consequences of banning Bt11 corn cultivation only in Paraná State, if the state law nº14162/03 was legalized. For this purpose, an interregional static general equilibrium computable model, kind of bottom-up, called TERM-BR was used. This model embraces 27 states plus the Federal District and can analyze the impacts on the economy without losing the regional and sectorial details. The adoption effects of the Bt11 corn are transmitted along its supply chain generating the increase of GDP, exports and household consumption. However, the results are more expressive in sectors and regions directly related to the supply chain of corn, sectors such as animal breeding and meat, mostly located in the south of the country. By analazing the adoption or not in Paraná State, the main results of the study are found on the origin and destination of the flows of capital and labor among the brasilian regions. In the first simulation, it was admitted that the Paraná State adopts Bt11 corn. A displacement in stock of capital and labor for the southern region was observed, despite the GDP increase of the West-Center and Southeastern regions. In the second simulation, it was admitted that Paraná State doesnt adopt the Bt11 corn. It was observed that both the labor force as well as the stock of capital move to the West-Center, and even so it is possible to see an increase in GDP and consumption of households in the Southern region. The most serious consequences happen in Paraná State, where not only the industry of corn, but also corn downstream industries lose competitiveness, reducing the level of activity, employment and household consumption. As these sectors have a considerable weight in GDP of the state, they also present reduction.