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Preserving
Genetic Diversity
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 Genetic
diversity is a very important issue in agriculture.
Gene banks store cells from various species in liquid
nitrogen that can later be used to preserve the gene
pool of an endangered species. A wider gene pool can
save plants from succumbing to disease. A good example
of this principle is in the growing of barley. Barley
has a narrow genetic base, which leads to vulnerability
to disease and pests. Since 1900, no more than 20
sources of germplasm have contributed to the varieties
that make up the majority of US barley acreage. This
concerns growers and breeders because of two recent
warning signs: since 1994 two barley head blight epidemics
that have caused billion dollar losses to farmers.
Efforts are being made by the North American Barley
Genome Mapping Project to build maps of barley germplasm
to introduce resistance to the blight into the US
barley germplasm base. Over 1,000 loci have been placed
on these maps, showing where on the DNA traits such
as malting quality, winter-hardiness, and disease
resistance are located. |
Is the Use of Genetic Engineering in
Agriculture Completely Safe?
There
is no simple answer to the question of safety regarding
genetically modified plants and animals. Currently, all
crops and animals that have been given approval by the
FDA and the USDA have been proven safe for human use.
However, this is a very new technology, and with all new
technology comes the risk of unknown consequences and
reactions. Some of the negative reactions caused by a
new genetically engineered species are already known,
as in the case of the Bt corn plant. However, science
cannot completely guarantee that no other side effects
exist, and this is the main objection of groups that advocate
using more caution when dealing with these new products.
Yes, the methods behind the new technology produce exactly
what the researchers desire, however, at what price cannot
be immediately known.
| The list of possible side effects is
something that should be considered when debating
the role of genetic engineering in agriculture. One
risk is the potential to create new foods with allergies
unknown to consumers without proper labeling. For
example, adding a protein from a peanut into a soy
bean would cause people allergic to peanuts to have
an allergic reaction to the new soy bean. Other possibilities
do exist, but it is not known if they are legitimate
risks. All we know is that there are possible unknown
consequences to genetically modifying food, and before
it is declared that all modified foods are safe or
unsafe, it is important to closely examine each product
on a case by case basis. Most of the products' benefits
far outweigh their drawbacks, and only by fully considering
both may a properly informed decision be made. For
further information dealing with a few benefits and
an extensive section on the risks of genetically modifying
foods, we recommend that you visit the Union
of Concerned Scientists. |
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