Modeling gene flow from genetically modified plants

Gene flow from genetically modified (GM) plants is concerning because of its ecological risks. In modeling studies, these risks may be reduced by altering crop management while taking environmental conditions into account. Gene flow modeling should consider many field aspects, both biological and physical. For example, empirical statistical models deduced from experimental data simulate gene flow well only under limited conditions (similar to experimental conditions). Mechanistic models, however, offer a potentially greater predictive ability. Gene flow models from GM crops to non-GM crops are used to simulate field conditions and minimize the adventitious presence of transgenes to meet certain threshold levels. These models can be adapted to simulate gene flow from GM crops to crop wild relatives using parameters of sexual compatibility and growth characteristics of the wild plants. Currently, modeling gene flow from herbicide-resistant weeds has become very important in light of the increased application of herbicides and widely evolved resistance in weeds.