Table 3.

The main scientific criteria and their subsequent aspects for ERA of GE gene drive organisms in terms of spatiotemporal controllability ^a

Biology of the target species (wild type)	Interactions of the target species (wild type) with the environment	Intended biological characteristics of the GE organism
Potential to persist and propagate	Interactions within the ecosystem: position in the food web closely associated organisms (microbiome, parasites, symbiotic organisms) within the wider environment (beneficial insects, soil organisms, protected species)	Is the GE organism intended to produce more than 1 generation after release?
Population dynamics and life cycle	Role and function in energy and nutrient cycles	How can genetic stability be controlled in following generations after the release?
Potential to spread beyond fields and/or into different ecosystems	Impact of biotic stressors, e.g., pests and pathogens (whole life cycle)	Does the trait impact the fitness of the organisms?
Potential for reproduction with wild populations of the target species; genetic diversity in wild populations	Occurrence of abiotic stressors such as climate conditions (whole life cycle)	Does the trait impact the composition of biologically active compounds?
Potential for gene flow to other species		Can the persistence of the organisms be determined if necessary?

ERA = environmental risk assessment; GE = genetically engineered.

^a Vertical reading; aspects in each row are not specifically linked to each other; each column stands alone.