|
|
 
|
Update to 02/22 GMO rice story (Feb. 28, 2002 – CropChoice news) – The following letter came in response to the story last week about genetically modified rice -- "GE rice resistance: market rejects gene-altered crop; http://www.cropchoice.com/leadstry.asp?RecID=595
The article "was an interesting and informative look at some of the concerns surrounding the proposed release of Aventis's LibertyLink glufosinate-resistant rice. I was disappointed, however, that while Mr. Schubert did make reference to the primary problem weed in rice culture, red rice, he failed to discuss the potential herbicide resistance problems surrounding it. Rice and red rice are two cultivars of the same genus and species (Oryza sativa L.); unsurprisingly, the rate of genetic outcrossing between them is relatively high. One can only fear that commercial introduction of rice with genes for glufosinate resistance would quickly lead to the transfer of those genes into the ambient red rice population. At that point, rice growers would be left with (1) a GMO rice technology that doesn't do its job and (2) a previously useful herbicide technology that no longer controls red rice."
Fred Iutzi
Editor’s note: This information has been added to the original story.
| |
