Pollen of genetically modified (GM) plants is one agent for horizontal or vertical gene transfer and for the dispersal of GM genes and GM products into the environment. The aim of this investigation was to develop and to run a monitoring programme for airborne transgenic and non-transgenic oilseed rape and maize pollen within the agricultural land of a 256 km² sized investigation area according to the monitoring plan (Directive 2001/18/EC). At 50 sites from April 25 to May 23 (oilseed rape) and from July 4 to July 31 (maize), respectively, the pollen deposition was measured in the investigation area at Fürstenfeldbruck. Two different types of technical passive pollen traps were used in combination (Sigma-2, pollen mass filter PMF). To determine the pollen deposition throughout the whole investigation area (on mesoscale level) geostatistical interpolation methods, methods of GIS-based regionalisation and a Lagrangian dispersal model were used.
«