You reap what you sow - or do you? volunteers in organic row-sown and broadcast-sown oilseed rape fields

The frequency and origin of oilseed rape volunteers in organic row and broadcast-sown oilseed rape fields was evaluated using DNA markers (ISSR) for analysis of potential volunteers in nine organic oilseed rape fields with different history. Using the software AFLPOP, the potential volunteers were assigned to variety by comparing their ISSR fingerprints with those of present and previous varieties.

Results showed that two of the five row-sown fields, had high numbers of volunteer in the row (5 and 9 volunteers m−2), and as inter-row volunteers were also present (0.9 and 3.6 volunteers m−2), the recommended inter-row hoeing should not be neglected. Potential volunteers were also identified in the broadcast-sown fields, but their identity could not be proven.

In a scenario where GM oilseed rape is cultivated previous to the organic oilseed rape, the present results indicate that the frequency of GM volunteers would exceed the threshold of 0.9%, and thus GM labelling would be demanded. Some of the volunteers belonged to varieties cultivated 8–11 years previously, indicating a long persistence of volunteer populations.

What you reap might be added in the past – with consequences for organic farmers’ production and earning.