Cry 1F and Cry 2Ab2 proteins survey in maize landraces and teosinte cultivated in Alto Jequitinhonha region

ABSTRACT Maize landraces diversity is important for many smallholder and indigenous populations. Gene flow constitutes a threat to the genetic conservation of several locally adapted maize landraces and, risk management depends on monitoring transgenic occurrence in non-GM maize. This study evaluated the occurrence of exogenous proteins from GM-maize in maize landraces and teosinte cultivated in the Alto Jequitinhonha region, State of Minas Gerais. Gene flow from GM maize to non-transgenic varieties was evaluated in eight maize groups and one teosinte variety. A transgenic maize variety was used as a positive control. Proteins Cry1F and Cry2Ab2 were monitored using the Protein Detection Assay kit (Envirologix QuickStix® kit protocols for detecting Cry1F and Cry2Ab2 proteins). Transgenic proteins were not detected in the leaves of landraces and teosinte cultivated in the Alto Jequitinhonha region.