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The Crop Science Socity of America's CSA News May issue examines the
benefits, costs, and potential for genetic cross-contamination in
alfalfa. <a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="https://www.crops.org/publications/csa-news">https://www.crops.org/publications/csa-news</a> 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.<br>
<br>
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. <br>
<br>
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. <br>
<br>
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. <br>
<br>
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.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
Robert Layton Beyfuss wrote:
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; color: rgb(31, 73, 125);">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.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; color: rgb(31, 73, 125);"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span
style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">From:</span></b><span
style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">
<a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:mpwg-bounces@lists.plantconservation.org">mpwg-bounces@lists.plantconservation.org</a>
[<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="mailto:mpwg-bounces@lists.plantconservation.org">mailto:mpwg-bounces@lists.plantconservation.org</a>] <b>On Behalf Of </b>MoonBranch
Botanicals<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Monday, May 16, 2011 3:39 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> <a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:Patricia_DeAngelis@fws.gov">Patricia_DeAngelis@fws.gov</a>; <a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:ForestRuss@aol.com">ForestRuss@aol.com</a><br>
<b>Cc:</b> <a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:mpwg@lists.plantconservation.org">mpwg@lists.plantconservation.org</a><br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re: [MPWG] Bipolaris in WV<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span
style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; color: black;">Hi All, and
thanks Russ and Patricia for the info and update.<br>
<br>
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? <br>
<br>
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.<br>
<br>
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.<br>
<br>
Any thoughts, anyone?</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span
style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; color: black;"> </span><span
style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span
style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; color: black;">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: <b><a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzlwAAf9DRg">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzlwAAf9DRg</a></b></span><span
style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span
style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; color: black;"> </span><span
style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span
style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; color: black;">Thanks and
I'll be looking forward to replies,</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span
style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; color: black;">Robin</span><span
style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<blockquote
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span
style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; color: black;">-----Original
Message----- <br>
From: <a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:Patricia_DeAngelis@fws.gov">Patricia_DeAngelis@fws.gov</a> <br>
Sent: May 16, 2011 12:35 PM <br>
To: <a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:ForestRuss@aol.com">ForestRuss@aol.com</a> <br>
Cc: <a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:mpwg@lists.plantconservation.org">mpwg@lists.plantconservation.org</a> <br>
Subject: Re: [MPWG] Bipolaris in WV <br>
<br>
<br>
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)? <br>
<br>
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): <a
moz-do-not-send="true"
href="http://www.ppws.vt.edu/%7Eclinic/reports/clinic_report_2008.pdf"
target="_blank">http://www.ppws.vt.edu/~clinic/reports/clinic_report_2008.pdf</a>
<br>
<br>
Thanks, <br>
Patricia <br>
<br>
Patricia S. De Angelis, Ph.D.<br>
Botanist - Division of Scientific Authority<br>
Chair - Plant Conservation Alliance - Medicinal Plant Working Group<br>
US Fish & Wildlife Service<br>
4401 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 110<br>
Arlington, VA 22203<br>
703-358-1708 x1753<br>
FAX: 703-358-2276<br>
<br>
Promoting sustainable use and conservation of our native medicinal
plants.<br>
<<a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="http://www.nps.gov/plants/medicinal">www.nps.gov/plants/medicinal</a>><br>
<br>
<br>
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span
style="font-size: 7.5pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; color: black;"><a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:ForestRuss@aol.com">ForestRuss@aol.com</a></span></b><span
style="font-size: 7.5pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; color: black;">
</span><span
style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; color: black;"><br>
</span><span
style="font-size: 7.5pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; color: black;">Sent
by: <a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:mpwg-bounces@lists.plantconservation.org">mpwg-bounces@lists.plantconservation.org</a></span><span
style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; color: black;">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span
style="font-size: 7.5pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; color: black;">05/16/2011
11:01 AM</span><span
style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; color: black;">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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align="right"><span
style="font-size: 7.5pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; color: black;">To</span><span
style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span
style="font-size: 7.5pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; color: black;"><a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:MPWG@lists.plantconservation.org">MPWG@lists.plantconservation.org</a></span><span
style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; color: black;">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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align="right"><span
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;"
align="right"><span
style="font-size: 7.5pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; color: black;">Subject</span><span
style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span
style="font-size: 7.5pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; color: black;">[MPWG]
Bipolaris in WV</span><span
style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span
style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; color: black;"><br>
<br>
<br>
MPWG: <br>
<br>
The Bipolaris fungus has again appeared in central WV. <br>
<br>
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. <br>
<br>
In some areas nearly every individual stiltgrass plant was showing
signs of infection by Bipolaris within two weeks of gernination. <br>
<br>
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. <br>
<br>
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. <br>
<br>
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. <br>
<br>
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. <br>
<br>
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. <br>
<br>
Look for additional updates as the growing season progresses. <br>
<br>
Sincerely, <br>
<br>
Russ Richardson, Certified Forester <br>
PO Box 207 <br>
Arnoldsburg, WV 25234</span><span
style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New"; color: black;"><br>
<tt>_______________________________________________</tt><br>
<tt>PCA's Medicinal Plant Working Group mailing list</tt><br>
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<tt>Disclaimer</tt><br>
<tt>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.
</tt></span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
</blockquote>
<pre><o:p> </o:p></pre>
<pre><o:p> </o:p></pre>
<pre>Robin Alton Suggs<o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre>MoonBranch Botanicals<o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre>5294 Yellow Creek Road<o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre>Robbinsville, North Carolina 28771 <o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre>USA<o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre><o:p> </o:p></pre>
<pre>Telephone: 828.479.2788<o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre>Email: <a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:moonbranch@earthlink.net">moonbranch@earthlink.net</a><o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre>Websites:<o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre><a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="http://www.moonbranch.com">www.moonbranch.com</a> & <a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="http://www.localharvest.org/store/M16074">www.localharvest.org/store/M16074</a><o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre><o:p> </o:p></pre>
<pre>Member:<o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre>Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project; Farm Partner<o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre>Green Products Alliance <o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre>North Carolina Consortium on Natural Medicines <o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre>North Carolina Goodness Grows/NCDA&CS <o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre>Southwestern North Carolina RC&D Council<o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre>United Plant Savers<o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre><o:p> </o:p></pre>
<pre>"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. <o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre>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." <o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre>-Goethe<o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre><o:p> </o:p></pre>
</div>
<pre wrap="">
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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. </pre>
</blockquote>
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