The three year study involves academics from the University of Stirling, University of Glasgow, Plymouth Marine Laboratory and Clark University in America.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has signalled that it is in favour of approving further controversial genetically engineered maize variants produced by Bayer (Monsanto).
A landmark partnership between Kew and the Forest Stewardship Council is using DNA technology to help prevent illegal logging, estimated by Interpol to cost between up to £76 billion annually.