Transgene crops call pest killers to the rescue
Published: 04 August, 2009, 14:14
Edited: 29 July, 2010, 07:22
A team of European and US researchers have modified the maize genome so that the plant emits a chemical compound which attracts nematode worms, which in turn kill pests damaging the crops.
The method was tested by the University of Missouri's Bradford Research and Extension Center in Columbia, reports Nature magazine.
The scientists have switched on a gene that regulates production of (E)-β-caryophyllene in maize. The chemical is an attractant for nematodes, which feed on western corn rootworm, an insect whose larvae damage maize roots. The rootworm is one of the most dangerous corn pests inhabiting North America.
The chemical is produced naturally by some maize varieties, but selective breeding of the commercial variety left most of them without the ability. Researchers used a gene manipulation technique, which they’ve filed a patent for, to insert the missing gene. A field test on a field where transgenic and normal maize was infested with rootworm parasites showed less root damage and 60% fewer adult insects on the experimental plants.
The method may be a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to spraying crops with pesticides. The big challenge for scientists, however, is to identify compounds, which plants should produce to lure the pests’ natural enemies.
Meanwhile, the team is to focus on making maize produce (E)-β-caryophyllene only when it is actually attacked with rootworms and not continuously. This will allow nematodes to be led to plants that actually need protection, rather than one particular organism.
04.08.2009, 09:48
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{ARTE tv/”Terres agricloles: une autre delocalisation}: Saudi Arabia, South Korea, US and other countries rent or buy extended areas for farming mainly in African Countries like Soudan. Then private companies, that could be Mossanto f.e. rent them and they use mostly transgen seeds. Because there is no cadastre in these countries the foreign companies expelled in some cases local farmers. Some areas may have been bought or rented for mining or oil drilling {Phoenix, ARD}: A few months ago in India large areas farmed with transgen cotton seeds had a very bad crop, so the farmers could not pay the seeds and as a result some parcels of their land were confiscated. Now even though they may not want to use again these seeds, these seeds will be used in the confiscated lands.
You should avoid GMO food. My children are allergic to GMO food.They can only eat real food not food manufactured in a lab with virus' and animal gene's injected into it. You should really do your reasearch on GMO. It does make you sick along with the other poison's.
Democracy dont work in USA, thats why they have GMO foods legally. Meanwhile in europe it is forbidden.