Tandem constructs: preventing the rise of superweeds

Transgenic crops may interbreed with nearby weeds, increasing their competi tiveness, and may themselves become a 'volunteer' weed in the following cro p. The desired transgene can be coupled in tandem with genes that would ren der hybrid offspring or volunteer weeds less able to compete with crops, we eds and wild species. Genes that prevent seed shatter or secondary dormancy , or that dwarf the recipient could all be useful for mitigation and may ha ve value to the crop, Many such genes have been isolated in the past few ye ars.