Inter-specific gene flow from herbicide-tolerant crops to their wild relatives

The global policy agenda of agriculture is based around producing sufficient food, feed, and fiber to meet the needs of the world’s growing population (Anonymous 2009). Additionally, agricultural cropping systems have been challenged to create oil-based fuels and plant-based bio-products, reduce use of pesticides, and develop crops tolerant to biotic and abiotic stresses. Therefore, crop cultivars with higher yields and resistance to important pests are required to meet food requirements in a sustainable manner. Technological advances for developing bio-products, improved crop cultivars, and pest and/or herbicide-tolerant crops are predicated on the use of plant biotechnology