[MPWG] Roundup Ready Alfalfa: A Solution without a Problem
Elizabeth Kirchner
ekirchner at aibs.org
Tue May 17 09:25:55 CDT 2011
The Crop Science Socity of America's CSA News May issue examines the
benefits, costs, and potential for genetic cross-contamination in
alfalfa. https://www.crops.org/publications/csa-news The article
discusses the significant regulation in place to protect conventional
alfalfa from Roundup-resistant GM alfalfa - a trait critics call a
solution to a non-existent problem - but may also impede the development
of GM cultivars that merely expand naturally occurring traits.
The article describes the reasoning behind regulations. Explaining that
there are a number of natural barriers to cross-contamination in
alfalfa. First, it's cut for hay before it flowers, those flowers are
autotoxic, and "most hay-growing regions...lack the right bees." With
these barriers in mind, alfalfa is regulated with the notion that 165
feet protects non-GMOs from cross-contamination.
The concern, though, is that alfalfa is also grown for seed - 20% of the
alfalfa grown in the US is exported as seed. As you recall, in the
early 2000s, scientists planted Roundup Ready alfalfa, surrounding it
at various distances with "trap" crops of conventional alfalfa. They let
the seed ripen, harvested the trap crops, grew them out, and sprayed
them with Roundup. They were able to measure very low levels of gene
flow and their findings became "...the basis for the best practices and
stewardship programs adopted by the National Alfalfa and Forage Alliance
- adopted to curb transgene flow," explains CSA News.
The isolation distance for Roundup Ready alfalfa pollinated by honeybees
is 3 miles. A farmer who wants to plant RR alfalfa first visits his or
her state seed certification office who checks whether the farmer meets
the requirement, later conducts a field visit, and monitors, then
submits data to a national database on accidental presence of
transgenes in non-GM seed.
One of the most important things the article clarifies is that, although
Roundup-resistance give a completely new trait to alfalfa, other
transgenes just broaden a plant's genetic variation. The example is a
transgene that reduces lignin production in alfalfa. If you can reduce
the amount of lignin in the alfalfa, cows digest more carbohydrate,
reduce manure production, and farmers can cut higher yields, but fewer
times per year saving energy and time.
Robert Layton Beyfuss wrote:
>
> I wonder if these GMO plants will be considered as new species? The
> test of a species identity is its reproductive capacity and I assume
> they can still cross breed with non GMO’s of the same species they
> started out as. There is no doubt that the artificially inserted
> genes can “escape” and confer their specific traits onto other plants
> via pollen and perhaps via insects such as leafhoppers feeding on
> them. Ironically, the plants that accidently acquire the new genes are
> probably the property of the company that created their parents
> (Monsanto). Seems to me that weeds which are now resistant to Round
> Up, ie glyphosate as a result of this technology should be the
> responsibility of Monsanto. So farmers who have to use alternative
> herbicides to control these weeds should be compensated by Monsanto.
>
>
>
> *From:* mpwg-bounces at lists.plantconservation.org
> [mailto:mpwg-bounces at lists.plantconservation.org] *On Behalf Of
> *MoonBranch Botanicals
> *Sent:* Monday, May 16, 2011 3:39 PM
> *To:* Patricia_DeAngelis at fws.gov; ForestRuss at aol.com
> *Cc:* mpwg at lists.plantconservation.org
> *Subject:* Re: [MPWG] Bipolaris in WV
>
>
>
> Hi All, and thanks Russ and Patricia for the info and update.
>
> I have a question for the group especially in light of this example of
> where Microstegium has become such a pest and there is much focus on
> and money spent preventing the spread/introduction of and/or
> controlling "exotic invasive" species. Using that same terminology,
> "exotic invasive" as something that occurs naturally outside the
> habitat into which it is introduced and thus becomes a problem, I am
> curious as to why we as a group in specific as well as our society in
> general does not voice more "concern" (put mildly) over the
> introduction, whether intentional or accidental, of "new" genetically
> modified organisms into the environment?
>
> To introduce a species into a new environment or habitat is one thing,
> but to take a previously unknown (with regards to it habits in an
> uncontrolled environment) species and to allow or perhaps fail to
> prevent it's introduction into the biosphere seems like a much more
> dangerous proposition in terms of potential consequences. Furthermore,
> many agencies and bureaus within or under the umbrella of the same (US
> in this case) government are avidly promoting the control of these
> naturally occurring exotics while "sister" agencies are not only
> allowing but sometimes promoting the use of and introduction into the
> natural world these previously unknown genetically modified organisms,
> GMOs if you will.
>
> I have read that scientific research of exotic invasives show a net
> negative effect on the ecosystems within which they invade in terms of
> threatening biodiversity, thus prompting efforts to prevent their
> spread or failing that, initiate their control. I have also read of
> scientific research that says that GMO's however, while completely
> unknown as to their interspecific interactions outside of a controlled
> environment pose no threat. This of course begs another question. Does
> scientific methodology vary from agency to agency as the scenario
> created is otherwise completely void of any and all logic.
>
> Any thoughts, anyone?
>
>
>
> And, not coincidentally this recent interview of Dr. Huber, a noted
> plant pathologist from Purdue University may be of some interest to
> some of you: *http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzlwAAf9DRg*
>
>
>
> Thanks and I'll be looking forward to replies,
>
> Robin
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Patricia_DeAngelis at fws.gov
> Sent: May 16, 2011 12:35 PM
> To: ForestRuss at aol.com
> Cc: mpwg at lists.plantconservation.org
> Subject: Re: [MPWG] Bipolaris in WV
>
>
> So, I see that this fungus is native to Appalachia. Has the
> research also looked into whether/how this fungus is impacting
> native plants in the understory (such as black cohosh)?
>
> I've just seen mention in a 2008 report that anthracnose was
> diagnosed on black cohosh (and pitcher plants) that year, which
> may be the black splotching I saw on BC in the woods a couple
> years ago. See VaTech's Plant Disease Clinic 2008 Report for
> further info on that (p. iv):
> http://www.ppws.vt.edu/~clinic/reports/clinic_report_2008.pdf
> <http://www.ppws.vt.edu/%7Eclinic/reports/clinic_report_2008.pdf>
>
> Thanks,
> Patricia
>
> Patricia S. De Angelis, Ph.D.
> Botanist - Division of Scientific Authority
> Chair - Plant Conservation Alliance - Medicinal Plant Working Group
> US Fish & Wildlife Service
> 4401 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 110
> Arlington, VA 22203
> 703-358-1708 x1753
> FAX: 703-358-2276
>
> Promoting sustainable use and conservation of our native medicinal
> plants.
> <www.nps.gov/plants/medicinal>
>
>
> *ForestRuss at aol.com*
> Sent by: mpwg-bounces at lists.plantconservation.org
>
> 05/16/2011 11:01 AM
>
>
>
> To
>
>
>
> MPWG at lists.plantconservation.org
>
> cc
>
>
>
> Subject
>
>
>
> [MPWG] Bipolaris in WV
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> MPWG:
>
> The Bipolaris fungus has again appeared in central WV.
>
> The first Microstegium plants started to germinate in mid April
> and within two weeks seedlings were starting to sport Bipolaris
> lesions. In many locations the lower blades of the stiltgrass
> plants had already died and in a few areas the plants appeared to
> die almost as soon as they germinated. The photo below was taken
> in an area that is at the leading edge of a SG
> invasion....hopefully the end of a SG invasion.
>
> In some areas nearly every individual stiltgrass plant was showing
> signs of infection by Bipolaris within two weeks of gernination.
>
> By mid May the infection has spread throughout this population.
> In many areas the stiltgrass is becoming non competitive as the
> foliage dies back and the surrounding native vegetation overtakes
> and dominates the ground cover.
>
> The "persistent" thatch produced by stiltgrass that lives through
> its' full life cycle appears to rot very quickly in the face of a
> Bipolaris infection. There are some areas where Bipolaris has
> been active for several years and neither thatch or healthy Mv
> seedlings are present.
>
> For people wishing to see Bipolaris in action, we will be hosting
> a program at Crummies Creek Demonstration Forest in cooperation
> with the West Virginia University Extension, the Woodland Owners
> Association of WV and the National Woodland Owners Association on
> Saturday June 25 and some of the session will involve visits to
> areas where Bipolaris has been active for several years as well as
> areas subjected to annual mechanical control for over ten years.
>
> Special permits to move Bipolaris infected plants to other parts
> of West Virginia are available through the WV Department of
> Agriculture. Intentional movement of diseased plants from WV is
> possible as long as a permit is obtained from APHIS.
>
> However, Bipolaris, which appears to be native to the central
> Appalachians showed up in Maryland and Virginia last year and the
> wet spring of 2011 has not hampered the spread of the fungus so it
> should be expected in more locations this summer.
>
> Look for additional updates as the growing season progresses.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Russ Richardson, Certified Forester
> PO Box 207
> Arnoldsburg, WV 25234
> _______________________________________________
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> Disclaimer
> Any advice given on this list regarding diagnosis or treatments
> etc. reflects ONLY the opinion of the individual who posts the
> message. The information contained in posts is not intended nor
> implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice
> relative to your specific medical condition or question. All
> medical and other healthcare information that is discussed on this
> list should be carefully reviewed by the individual reader and
> their qualified healthcare professional. Posts do not reflect any
> official opinions or positions of the Plant Conservation Alliance.
>
>
>
>
> Robin Alton Suggs
> MoonBranch Botanicals
> 5294 Yellow Creek Road
> Robbinsville, North Carolina 28771
> USA
>
> Telephone: 828.479.2788
> Email: moonbranch at earthlink.net
> Websites:
> www.moonbranch.com & www.localharvest.org/store/M16074
>
> Member:
> Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project; Farm Partner
> Green Products Alliance
> North Carolina Consortium on Natural Medicines
> North Carolina Goodness Grows/NCDA&CS
> Southwestern North Carolina RC&D Council
> United Plant Savers
>
> "Truth has to be repeated constantly, because Error also is being preached all the time, and not just by a few, but by the multitude.
> In the Press and Encyclopaedias, in Schools and Universities, everywhere Error holds sway, feeling happy and comfortable in the knowledge of having Majority on its side."
> -Goethe
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
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>
> To unsubscribe, send an e-mail to MPWG-request at lists.plantconservation.org with the word "unsubscribe" in the subject line.
>
> Disclaimer
> Any advice given on this list regarding diagnosis or treatments etc. reflects ONLY the opinion of the individual who posts the message. The information contained in posts is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice relative to your specific medical condition or question. All medical and other healthcare information that is discussed on this list should be carefully reviewed by the individual reader and their qualified healthcare professional. Posts do not reflect any official opinions or positions of the Plant Conservation Alliance.
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