[MPWG] Alfalfa's Natural Irony: Allelopathic, Autotoxic, Now Roundup Ready
Patricia_DeAngelis at fws.gov
Patricia_DeAngelis at fws.gov
Wed May 18 10:01:37 CDT 2011
There is so much experience on this listserve! Thank you for this very
informative discussion and do keep it up.
You have raised many important points - the details that often fall by the
wayside. I'd also like to encourage you to submit constructive comments to
the author.
Thank you,
-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>
Elizabeth Kirchner <ekirchner at aibs.org>
Sent by: mpwg-bounces at lists.plantconservation.org
05/18/2011 10:26 AM
To
Robert Layton Beyfuss <rlb14 at cornell.edu>,
mpwg at lists.plantconservation.org
cc
Subject
[MPWG] Alfalfa's Natural Irony: Allelopathic, Autotoxic, Now
Roundup Ready
I know exactly what you mean. Had CSA written, "Ideally, time and weather
allow a farmer to cut alfalfa before it flowers, minimizing lignin
production, boosting digestibility in dairy cows...," I wouldn't have
minded. But the writer seems incapable of teasing apart - or even
acknowledging - the many and nuanced issues he presents.
"...lacks the right bees.." seemed compelling enough to elicit at least a
corroborating sentence, if not a story in itself, since, in places where
alfalfa is grown for seed, state Extension gives a lot of advice to
farmers about managing alfalfa leafcutter and bumble bees because there
really are insufficient naturally occurring bee populations to provide all
of the pollinators needed to support a highly productive seed crop, so
farmers who raise alfalfa, often also raise its pollinators. But whether
the population level is naturally inadequate, or was obliterated by
pesticides and habitat loss, CSA doesn't say.
Auto-toxicity-wise, alfalfa produces exudates that suppress alfalfa seed
germination and seedling growth - that's autotoxicity, and it varies among
cultivars, but makes managing alfalfa in anything but a long-term crop
rotation, or overseeding into a forage crop, a big crop management tussle.
Interestingly, in allelopathy studies, alfalfa also inhibits the growth of
some weeds, like giant foxtail and lambsquarter, but, as luck would have
it, alfalfa also inhibits the growth of some crops, like soybeans.
Studies of alfalfa's autotoxic and allelopathic nature were interested in
natural weed control. But alfalfa's naturally occurring weed control
potential is unpatentable - Monsanto's answer is RR GM alfalfa, poo-pooing
herbicide-resistance fears, and with USDA Jan 2011 blessing here:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/01/27/gmo-alfalfa-usda-idUSN2727513020110127
).
Robert Layton Beyfuss wrote:
The article is certainly biased and not exactly accurate. It says that ?
First, it's cut for hay before it flowers? (Really? Alfalfa has the
most protein right at flowering and where I live less than 10% of it is
cut before it flowers. Weather dictates when hay get harvested, not
Monsanto.) ?those flowers are autotoxic, (what does that mean?) and
"most hay-growing regions...lack the right bees." (Hay growing regions????
Almost every dairy farm in America grows alfalfa from coast to coast)
?With these barriers in mind, alfalfa is regulated with the notion that
165 feet protects non-GMOs from cross-contamination? (Notion is right! It
is a notion that 165 feet will prevent cross pollination, a notion that is
not supported. by evidence other than that which is based on the incorrect
assumptions as stated above)
From: mpwg-bounces at lists.plantconservation.org [
mailto:mpwg-bounces at lists.plantconservation.org] On Behalf Of Edward
Fletcher
Sent: Tuesday, May 17, 2011 3:48 PM
To: 'Elizabeth Kirchner'; mpwg at lists.plantconservation.org
Subject: Re: [MPWG] Roundup Ready Alfalfa: A Solution without a Problem
All very interesting information to know about, but the linked article on
Round-up Ready Alfalfa has lots of input from
a 'non-profit' who exists by researching & developing RR crops for farmers
and has worked with Monsanto in the past. So we must consider the
source.....
-----Original Message-----
From: "mpwg-bounces at lists.plantconservation.org"
<mpwg-bounces at lists.plantconservation.org>
Sent: 5/17/2011 10:26 AM
To: "mpwg at lists.plantconservation.org" <mpwg at lists.plantconservation.org>
Subject: [MPWG] Roundup Ready Alfalfa: A Solution without a Problem
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.Â
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 GMOâ??s of the same species they started out
as. Â There is no doubt that the artificially inserted genes can
â??escapeâ? 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.
Â
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
Â
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?
Â
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
Â
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. Â 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
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 Â 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
Â
MPWG:
Â
The Bipolaris fungus has again appeared in central WV.
Â
The first Microstegium plants started to germinate in mid April and within
two weeks seedlings were starting to sport Bipolaris lesions. Â 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. Â 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.
Â
By mid May the infection has spread throughout this population. Â 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.
Â
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. Â There are some areas where Bipolaris has been active for
several years and neither thatch or healthy Mv seedlings are present.
Â
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. Â
Â
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. Â
Â
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.
Â
Look for additional updates as the growing season progresses.
Â
Sincerely,
Â
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
Â
Telephone: 828.479.2788
Email: moonbranch at earthlink.net
Websites:
www.moonbranch.com & www.localharvest.org/store/M16074
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Member:
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Green Products Alliance
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United Plant Savers
Â
"Truth has to be repeated constantly, because Error also is being preached
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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.
This communication, along with any documents, files or attachments, is
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This communication, along with any documents, files or attachments, is
intended only for the use of the addressee and may contain legally
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evaluation purposes only shall not be duplicated, used, or disclosed for
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notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of any
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To unsubscribe, send an e-mail to MPWG-request at lists.plantconservation.org
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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.
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