This is a template for a plant biology document, intended to provide background information on a species as part of the risk assessment process for plants with novel traits (PNTs) in Canada. Plants with novel traits (PNTs) are defined as a plant variety/genotype possessing characteristics that demonstrate neither familiarity nor substantial equivalence to those present in a distinct, stable population of a cultivated species of seed in Canada and that have been intentionally selected, created or introduced into a population of that species through a specific genetic change. PNTs may be developed using traditional plant breeding techniques or other methodologies such as recombinant DNA technologies (i.e., GMOs). The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is responsible for assessing the potential risk to the environment from the release of plants with novel traits (PNTs) into the Canadian environment. <!--break-->

This document is intended to provide background information on the biology of a species, including its identity, geographical distribution, reproductive biology, related species, the potential for gene introgression into relatives, and details of the life forms with which it interacts. This information is used in risk assessments to compare and characterize the potential risk from the release of new varieties/genotypes that qualify as PNTs into the Canadian environment, with regard to weediness/invasiveness, gene flow, plant pest properties, impacts on other organisms and impact on biodiversity.