Table 4 Some specific issues relevant for the assessment of ‘spatio-temporal controllability’ (vertical reading)
From: Risk assessment of genetically engineered plants that can persist and propagate in the environment
Biology of the species (wild type) | Interactions of the organisms with the environment (wild type) | The intended biological characteristics of the GE organism |
|---|---|---|
Potential to persist and propagate | Interactions within the ecosystem:    Position in the food web    Closely associated organisms (microbiome, symbiotic organisms)    Within the wider environment (such as beneficial/antagonist insects, soil organisms, protected/endangered species) | How can genetic stability be controlled in following generations after the release? |
Population dynamics and life cycle | Impact of biotic stressors e.g. pests and pathogens | Does the GE trait impact the fitness of the organisms? |
Potential to spread beyond fields/into different ecosystems | Occurrence of abiotic stressors such as climate conditions (in regard to the whole life cycle) | Does the trait impact the composition of biologically active compounds? |
Potential for reproduction with wild populations of the same species | Role and function in energy- and nutrient-cycle | Can the persistence of the organisms be determined if necessary? |
Genetic diversity in wild populations of the same species | Â | Â |
Potential for gene flow to other species | Â | Â |