Genetic transformation and the use glyphosate on soil microbial, biological nitrogen fixation, quality and safety of genetically modified soybean

The genetically modified soybean resistant to glyphosate (GM(RR)) is the main product of plant biotechnology, considering the evolution of the area cultivated and the use of this grain. EUA, Argentina and Brazil are the largest producers of GM(RR). The release of GM(RR) soybean cultivation in Brazil was done based on researches that were accomplished in other countries without the validation of the same edaphoclimatic conditions. In this context, the main researches about environmental impact, plant metabolism, quality and safety of GM(RR) soybean with or without glyphosate application were collected and investigated. In general, the researches investigated showed some similar characteristics: a) few variables were studied; b) simulations in green house or in vitro are used to infer possible response on the field. Although scarce, the researches denoted that the genetic transformation did not affect soil microorganisms, biological nitrogen fixation and composition of grains. The factor which could affect these variables is the glyphosate application in weed control, thus the risk of damage to the environment and the safety of products derived from this raw materialare due to the use of the herbicide during cultivation, and not to the genetic transformation. Key words: Transgenic soybean, soil microorganisms, herbicides residue, isoflavones.