Author
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Duke, Stephen |
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Submitted to: Trends in Biotechnology
Publication Type: Review Article Publication Acceptance Date: 3/15/2003 Publication Date: 5/1/2003 Citation: DUKE,S.O., WEEDING IN TRANSGENES, Trends in Biotechnology, 2003. V. 21(5):192-195 Interpretive Summary: Transgenes promise to reduce insecticide and fungicide use, but relatively little has been done to significantly reduce herbicide use through genetic engineering. Three strategies for transgene utilization are discussed which have the potential to change this: 1) improvement of weed-specific biocontrol agents, 2) enhancement of crop competition or allelopathic traits, 3) production of cover crops that will self destruct near the time of planting. Failsafe risk mitigation technologies are needs for most of these strategies. Technical Abstract: Transgenes promise to reduce insecticide and fungicide use, but relatively little has been done to significantly reduce herbicide use through genetic engineering. Three strategies for transgene utilization are discussed which have the potential to change this: 1) improvement of weed-specific biocontrol agents, 2) enhancement of crop competition or allelopathic traits, 3) production of cover crops that will self destruct near the time of planting. Failsafe risk mitigation technologies are needs for most of these strategies. |
