These data indicate that there might be enhanced persistence of the transgene in warmer climates. The absence of fitness cost of the transgenes might allow transgenes to persist in ecosystems. These data will contribute to risk assessments of transgene persistence and weed management against the backdrop of global climate change.

Gene flow from transgenic oilseed rape (BRASSICA NAPUS) might not be avoidable, thus, it is important to detect and quantify hybridization events with its relatives in real time. Data are presented showing the correlation between genetically linked green fluorescent protein (GFP) with BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS (Bt) CRY1AC gene expression in hybrids formed between transgenic B. NAPUS "Westar" and a wild Chinese accession of wild mustard (B. JUNCEA) and hybridization between transgenic B. NAPUS and a conspecific Chinese landrace oilseed rape. Hybrids were obtained either by spontaneous hybridization in the field or by hand-crossing in a greenhouse. In all cases, transgenic hybrids were selected by GFP fluorescence among seedlings originating from seeds harvested from B. JUNCEA and the Chinese oilseed rape plants. Transgenicity was confirmed by PCR detection of transgenes. GFP fluorescence was easily and rapidly detected in the hybrids under greenhouse and field conditions. Results showed that both GFP fluorescence and Bt protein synthesis decreased as either plant or leaf aged, and GFP fluorescence intensity was closely correlated with Bt protein concentration during the entire vegetative lifetime in hybrids. These findings allow the use of GFP fluorescence as an accurate tool to detect gene-flow in time in the field and to conveniently estimate BT CRY1AC expression in hybrids on-the-plant.

Transgene flow from engineered Brassica napus to wild weed relatives could potentially have an environmental effect. To evaluate the introgression of transgenic B. napus into wild Brassica juncea, the hybrid F1 and backcross progenies derived from B. juncea (genome constitution AABB) and transgenic B. napus (AACC) crosses were investigated. C‐genome‐specific simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers corresponding to linkage groups N11–N19 in B. napus were screened and used to estimate the marker frequency in hybrid F1 and backcross progenies. C‐genome‐specific markers could be stably detected in hybrid F1 and backcross BC1 plants, but were only rarely found in the BC2–BC5 generations. For example, a specific SSR marker for linkage group N12 segregated in BC2 generation but were completely lost in BC3–BC5, while a specific SSR marker of linkage group N15 segregated in BC1, BC2 and BC3 generations and was absent in more advanced backcrossed generations (BC4 and BC5). The results indicate that a certain gene regions in Brassica napus plants are transmitted at a relatively lower frequency to wild relatives, and more rapidly disappeared in subsequent backcross generations. We propose that a foreign gene or transgene that is integrated in the C‐chromosome of Brassica napus could reduce the risk of introgression in nature.

& Key message The demography of pioneer tree species (Pinus massoniana Lamb.) is significantly affected by logging in Southeast China. Logging negatively affects the population growth rate of P. massoniana, which facilitates the growth of individual trees but has no effect on reproduction probability. The survival and growth of seedlings contribute the most to population growth. & Context Subtropical forest degradation caused by unreasonable disturbances is closely related to anthropogenic activities in Southeast China, and the frequent small-scale logging activity by local people was the dominated disturbance regime in forests in this region over the past several decades. & Aims The objective of this study is to evaluate the demographic consequences of logging on Pinus massoniana, a pioneer tree species, at individual level (survival, growth, and fecundity) and population level (the population growth rate and size distribution) over short-term period. & Methods The size of tree individuals was combined with vital rates using various modeling approaches based on demographic data from three annual censuses. The integral projection model (IPM) was constructed and used to conduct comparative demographic analyses. & Results Logging negatively affected the population growth rate: from a slight expansion before logging to a moderate decline after logging. This study found a significant reduction in seedling recruitment after logging, and plant growth and mortality were slightly enhanced. The survival of seedlings greatly contributes to population growth rate compared to other life stages for both periods (before and after logging) while its relative importance decreases after logging. Seedling growth is also important to population growth, and its relative importance increased after logging. Shrinkage and fecundity have a minimal contribution effect on the population growth rate. & Conclusion Growing plants in a nursery with a similar demography to P. massoniana could be beneficial for pioneer species regeneration in that this will improve the survival rate and growth of small individuals after logging.