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:: 10.16.2003 ::
Hybridization Between GM and Non-GM Plants Inevitable, Study Finds
Confirming the fears of opponents of genetic modification, cross pollination between modified and wild plants cannot be prevented and could lead to the creation of hybrid "superweeds," according to Britain's first national study of how genes pass from crops to weeds. The findings differ from earlier research on gene flow, which found minimal danger of hybridization. By contrast, the current study, which analyzed satellite images of the British countryside and patrolled 180 miles of river banks, found that hybridization is widespread, frequent, and not well contained by physical barriers such as buffer zones. If hybridization involved a genetically modified gene that was advantageous to weeds, the hybrid could quickly spread and pose a major agriculture threat, they found. Story in the London Independent; "Superweeds are considered to be a threat because, in some cases, they might absorb resistance to weedkillers from GM crops engineered to be herbicide-tolerant." And there goes the argument about GM crops allowing farmers to use less (and less toxic) herbicide.
On the same note, Crops giant retreats from Europe ahead of GM report
By Steve Connor, Science Editor
16 October 2003
Monsanto, the huge American biotechnology company which has pioneered GM crops, is withdrawing from many of its European operations and laying off up to two thirds of its British workers.
The announcement came on the eve of the publication of the Government's GM crop trials today. They are expected to show that two out of three genetically modified crops in the tests may damage the environment. Also from the Independent.
:: Deb 9:36 AM :: permalink ::
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