One of the considerations of coexistence is the transfer
of genes from one population to another through
gene flow via pollen [16]. The methods used to study
gene flow include potential pollen-mediated gene flow
(which includes the analysis of pollen viability, pollen
dispersal and deposition, pollen capture and computer
modelling) [17-26] and pollen-mediated gene flow
(which involves determining the extent of cross-pollination
over distance and computer modelling) [27-38].
While several studies have determined the extent of
cross-pollination at different distances ranging from 34
to 650 m, it is not certain how applicable these data are
to the maize growing region of South Africa. Thus,
while the aim of these studies has been to predict theoretical
distances in order to minimize gene flow, the
varying trial design and environmental conditions make
it difficult to extrapolate this information from one
region to another. Thus, the aim of this study, conducted
from 2005 to 2007, was to determine the extent
of GM maize cross-pollination to non-GM maize under
South African conditions in the context of commercial
farming practice.