GM BUG 'COULD END ALL LIFE'
The New Zealand Herald
03.02.2001
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/storydisplay.cfm?storyID=170916&thesection=news&thesubsection=general
All life on Earth could be destroyed by genetically modified bacteria, a
scientist has told the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification.
Four scientists gave evidence for the Green Party at the hearing this week
via video link from the United States.
Soil ecologist Elaine Ingham spoke about a plant-killing GM bacteria that
her Oregon State University research team prevented from being released into
the environment.
Dr Ingham said the alcohol-producing bacteria had been approved for field
trials when her team discovered its lethal effects.
She believed the widespread plant deaths caused by the bacteria would in
turn affect all life on Earth.
The GM klebsiella planticola produced alcohol from post-harvest crop
residue. The leftover organic sludge, containing the bacteria, would be
returned to fields as fertiliser.
Dr Ingham said she had independently tested the bacteria on plants, which
the regulatory authority had failed to do.
"After seven days, all wheat plants turned into slime."
This example showed the need for better risk assessment of ecological
impact.
Green Party co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons said the risks of GM organisms to
the environment were currently unknown. Outdoor field trials of GM crops
should never be allowed under these circumstances.