- All life on Earth could be destroyed by genetically
modified bacteria, a scientist has told the Royal Commission on Genetic
Modification.
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- Four scientists gave evidence for the Green Party at
the hearing this week via video link from the United States.
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- 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.
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- Dr. Ingham said the alcohol-producing bacteria had been
approved for field trials when her team discovered its lethal effects.
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- She believed the widespread plant deaths caused by the
bacteria would in turn affect all life on Earth.
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- The GM klebsiella planticola produced alcohol from post-harvest
crop residue. The leftover organic sludge, containing the bacteria, would
be returned to fields as 'fertilizer.'
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- Dr Ingham said she had independently tested the bacteria
on plants, which the regulatory authority had failed to do.
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- "After seven days, all wheat plants turned into
slime."
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- This example showed the need for better risk assessment
of ecological impact.
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- 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.
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