Table 1. Summary of protocols for detecting genetic engineered (GE) traits across distinct germplasm types.

Germplasm

Protocol

Detection method

Response to positive tests

Black-box collections

Seed is stored and not planted

no detection

Accessions collected prior to 1996

Sentinel plots and borders are harvested for sampling

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

Harvested seed is tested to locate GE seed. No seed is shipped until GE seed is localized

Accessions collected during and after 1996

Sentinel plots/borders and census sampling

PCR

Bulks testing positive will be disaggregated to locate GE seed. Positive seed is destroyed

Germplasm enhancement (or pre-breeding)

Sentinel plots are harvested for sampling, census sampling of core subsets

PCR

Bulks testing positive will be disaggregated to locate GE seed. Positive seed is destroyed

Introductions

Sentinel plots/borders and census sampling

PCR

Bulks testing positive will be disaggregated to locate GE seed. Positive seed is destroyed and the collaborator is confidentially informed

Breeding populations

Sentinel plots/borders and census sampling of populations (but not lines derived from populations) and advanced lines (> S6)

PCR

Bulks testing positive will be disaggregated to locate GE seed. Populations or lines will be "cleaned" and GE seed destroyed

Hybrid trials

Sentinel plots

PCR

Seed produced will be sampled from all entries