Identification of some transgenic maize genotypes collected from local markets at Baghdad

Genetically modified organisms (GMO) are the organisms in which genes are altered by a gene modification technique but not by natural mating or DNA recombination. Twenty-two maize genotypes have been screened for detection the genetic modification, which collected from local markets in Baghdad. Three samples were taken for each genotype in the period from December 2023 to January 2024. DNA extraction was done using plantZol kit. The reference material, for positive control of Bt-11, CTAB DNA extraction method was used. Conventional PCR and Quantitative Real-time PCR were used for detection the transgenic maize genotypes. Three pairs of primers, namely, CaMV-35S, NOS and Bt-11 were used, in addition to genes zein and β-actin. A 77%, 68% and 100% of the samples were found to carry the CaMV35s, Nos, Bt-11 genes according to conventional PCR suggesting widespread presence of GM maize in the Iraqi market. The Ct values of the modified genes were higher than its corresponding of housekeeping gene suggesting a possible high representation of GMO maize in the Iraqi market. The MOM average of CaMV-35S and T-Nos was 1.09 and 1.05 respectively. The copy number average of 22 genotypes of maize samples for Bt-11 was 28.4. The current study showed spread of modified genes and contamination of local genotypes of maize with genetically modified genes. This matter requires a continuous survey of local genotypes of crops grown in the Iraqi environment, with the necessity of activating legislation that limits the spread of genetically modified materials.