Crops of uncertain nature? Controversies and Knowledge Gaps Concerning Genetically Modified Crops. An Inventory.

Author: Visser, A. J. C. de; Nijhuis, E. H.; Elsas, J. D. van; Dueck, T. A.

Correspondent Address: Plant Research International, P.O. Box 16, 6700 AA Wageningen, Netherlands.

Source: Rapport - Plant Research International (No. 12) 70 pp.

Publication Year: 2000

Publisher/Editor: Plant Research International, Wageningen, Netherlands

ABSTRACT

This study has identified several areas of controversial, fragmentary or missing knowledge concerning the design, functioning and use of genetically modified (GM) crop plants, from a standpoint of the natural sciences. These areas concern the biological and agronomical sciences which are discussed here, while philosophical, ethical, social-economical and legal scientific areas are indicated to stress their relevance for the public debate on GM (food) crops. Controversies and knowledge gaps appear to be present at all levels of biological organization ranging from the levels of DNA and cellular metabolism to organism and ecosystem levels. These findings demonstrate the fragmentary nature of current knowledge of genome structure and function and regulation of gene expression in general, and the limited understanding of several physiological, ecological, agronomical and toxicological aspects relevant to present-day and planned genetic modifications of crops. Whether and in which case this limited understanding can be judged as relevant to the public debate on GM and as sufficient for adequate risk assessment are questions requiring further interdisciplinary study. 16 pp. of ref.

Descriptors: biosafety; transgenic plants; genetic transformation; genetic engineering; gene expression; risk

Codes: Plant Breeding and Genetics (FF020); Biotechnology (WW000)

Risk Category: HUMAN HEALTH; ENVIRONMENT; AGRICULTURE; GENERAL CONCERNS