NASHVILLE, Tenn.–Arguments for and against genetically altering plants, fruits and vegetables continue.
In the latest study, scientists at Vanderbilt University and Indiana show that genetically altering a specific gene in commercial sunflowers is unlikely to have a major environmental impact.
That study, reported in the May 23 issue of Science, shows that putting one specific transgene into commercial flowers to improve their resistance to a destructive mold is unlikely to have a major environmental impact. That finding reinforces the argument that such genetic modifications should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Some feel that these so-called transgenes could upset the environmental balance by increasing the hardiness of weeds and other wild plants. Others contend that such risks are very small and the environmental benefits of reducing the quantities of chemical pesticides and herbicides used and the amount of tillage required outweigh any possible negatives.
For more information about this research, along with photos, please go to the multimedia article on Exploration, Vanderbilt?s online research magazine, at: http://exploration.vanderbilt.edu/news/features/sunflowers/news_sunflowers.htm Media contact: David Salisbury, 615-343-6803, david.salisbury@vanderbilt.edu