World ag researchers spurn crops with 'terminator
genes'
RTw 31.10.98 00:43
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World ag researchers spurn crops with 'terminator genes'
WASHINGTON, Oct 30 (Reuters) - Scientists at the world's largest
agricultural research network, who focus on feeding the poor,
will not develop crops with "terminator genes" that
produce sterile seeds, the network's leaders decided on Friday.
Crops with such "suicidal tendencies" would be a
nightmare in the developing world, where farmers, as a matter of
course, retain part of each harvest as seed for next year, said
Ismail Serageldin, chairman of the Consultative Group on
International Agricultural Research.
"If you didn't know (about the seeds), you would be wiped
out," Serageldin said at a news conference.
The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research,
with its network of 16 research centres around the world,
specialises in crops and livestock useful to small-scale farmers
in developing nations. It is funded by the World Bank, the United
Nations, foundations and dozens of nations.
The "terminator gene" technology, an offshoot of
genetic engineering, has stirred debate over how far plant
breeders should go to protect their unique varieties.
Critics say terminator genes force farmers to buy expensive seed
annually.
On the final day of a semi-annual meeting, the leaders of this
research network adopted as a guiding principle language that
their system "will not include in its breeding materials any
genes designed to prevent" seeds from germinating.
"This is a line of research that is clearly motivated by
commercial gain," said Serageldin, who also is a World Bank
vice president.
He said the group preferred to focus on high-yielding,
disease-resistant plant varieties that retain their vigour for
generations -- a boon to poor farmers who cannot afford to buy
seed and whose best hope for higher income is to boost output.
Donors provided about $340 million for the network this year and
pledged the same amount for 1999. As part of the semi-annual
meeting, the network's leaders decided to try to diversify
funding sources by seeking private-sector support.