Lateral Flowstrip and PCR detection approach for the identification of unapproved transgenic crops in northern Nigeria

The commercial release of genetically engineered (GE) crops has improved agricultural productivity in many countries. Currently, only three crops have been commercially available in Nigeria. However, there are allegations on the possible illegal existence of many or few more GE crops that have not been commercially approved by the government due to what observers regard as weak regulatory system. The release and commercialization of GE crops in Nigeria must contend with the possibility of having GE crops already in circulation. This study sought to probe the possible existence of the un-commercialised GE crops in major markets of Northern Nigeria, by targeting herbicide tolerance- phosphinothricin acetyltransferase PAT and insect resistance- Pesticidal crystal proteins (Cry) traits. Soybean (Glycine max), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and maize (Zea mays) seeds were collected, and lateral flow strip method used to screen for possible transgenic events in those crops. No transgenic event was found in any of the samples tested using flow-strip analysis. PCR analysis also revealed no positive transgenic event. This is the first report on a scientific investigation to detect Cry and Pat in grains in the region. The approach used in this study serves to provide a baseline data on the status of GE events in Nigeria.