This study aimed to detect genetically modified maize (GMM) in seeds of eleven imported maize hybrids grown in Jordan. We used promoter 35 S and T-nos terminator for general screening of transgenic materials. Conventional PCR detected the specific events for the screening of Bt 11, MON810, and Bt176 events. Seeds of eleven maize hybrids samples showed a positive response to the 35 S promoter; nine out of eleven showed a positive response for T-nos terminator. Bt11 event was the most used in GMM seeds, where seven out of eleven samples showed positive results. Two out of eleven hybrids showed the presence of the Bt176 event; however, MON810 not detected in any of the tested hybrids. We studied the Bt11 event in imported GMM seeds in Jordan for the first time, reinforcing the need for a mandatory labeling system and a valid simple qualitative method in routine analysis of GMCs.
Keywords: Genetically modified maize; certified reference material; labeling system; polymerase chain reaction.