[MPWG] Bipolaris in WV

Tue May 17 09:27:52 CDT 2011

Hi Robert--

My understanding (albeit limited) of the current rules is that the transgenics are not considered a new species, but they are considered a new genotype and "potential plant pests" for APHIS purposes.  The process for approval of their commercial use is basically one of deregulation via a series of field tests.

You're correct that "genetic escape" is likely, plenty of data out there on that, although persistence is not as well understood at this time.  Ownership of the plants containing patented genetic material (esp. when it comes to "patent immortality", the idea that the offspring of patented plants are also patented and that the patent does not expire at the end user) and who should pay for escapes/cross-pollination are also definitely visible legal issues already in play and being debated.  An interesting area of study for anyone interested in natural resources law/policy.

Take care,

Lindsey Tuominen
Doctoral Candidate, Forest Resources
Graduate Certificate Student, Environmental Ethics
The University of Georgia

________________________________
From: mpwg-bounces at lists.plantconservation.org [mpwg-bounces at lists.plantconservation.org] on behalf of Robert Layton Beyfuss [rlb14 at cornell.edu]
Sent: Tuesday, May 17, 2011 9:03 AM
To: MoonBranch Botanicals; Patricia_DeAngelis at fws.gov; ForestRuss at aol.com
Cc: mpwg at lists.plantconservation.org
Subject: Re: [MPWG] Bipolaris in WV

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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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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