Risk Assessment of Transgenic Alfalfa

By the end of the year 2012، more than 170. 3 million ha were under the cultivation of transgenic plants. More than 100 million ha are under cultivation of transgenic cotton، corn، soybean and alfalfa. USA with production herbicide resistant alfalfa has the largest area under the cultivation of GM alfalfa. For the first time in Iran and perhaps in the Middle East، insect resistant transgenic alfalfa has been developed. Although، It is not commercialized yet. One of the concerns about GM crops is risks derived from these products. For risk analysis of transgenic plants in each country laws، regulations and guidelines have been established to assure the safety of GM plants. The introduction of Bt alfalfa has reduced the number and cost of insecticide applications needed for control of alfalfa pest insects. The Cry protein in Bt alfalfa is comparable to Cry proteins that have been safely used for over 40 years. Studies showed that the Cry protein poses minimal risk to non-target organisms and environment. Based on the available data and experience collected to date، transgenic alfalfa poses comparable or fewer risks to the environment as traditional alfalfa treated with commercially approved insecticides. The objective of this paper is to review scientific aspects of risks of Bt alfalfa. This article can be very useful for biotechnologists، biosafety specialists، and authorities concerned.