[PCA] [APWG] Native Phragmites Data

[Gena Fleming]

Speaking of semantics . . .

Cruising through the APHIS list of genetically engineered organisms -----
how come genetically engineered native plants get to fall off the semantic
radar?  What is the botanical name of a native plant once it has been
genetically modified?    And from a national/state agency perspective, a GM
plant growing within its usual geographic boundary may not fit the "exotic"
criteria for the definition of invasiveness, but what about the genetic
boundaries that have been transgressed with DNA from foreign genera and
kingdoms?  How can we even recognize what new invisible patterns may
already be emerging?

It may sound like I'm far off topic, but research is actually proceeding to
genetically engineer native plants in order to block "invasion" by *P.
australis*....

"Harsh Bais (University of Delaware) is interested in understanding the
mechanisms involved in invasion by Phragmites australis. His lab, in
collaboration with Dr. John Gallagher, will elucidate the involvement of
root-allelopathy in P. australis invasion.  They are also working to
identify the molecular targets of the produced toxin in P.australis using
the model plant system Arabidopsis. *The identification of a resistance **gene
against P. australis toxins would lead to the engineering of native plants
to defend against P. australis invasion."  (emphasis mine):*
*http://www.nerrs.noaa.gov/Doc/PDF/Research/Phrag_Final_2009.pdf*

And so we are breaching the fundamental organizational principles of the
natural world in order to control an "invasive" plant?  It's the end of
phylogeny.

I'm just saying. . .

Gena Fleming



On 28 August 2012 12:57, Julie Knudson <jknudson at tamariskcoalition.org>wrote:

> I would throw in a couple more cents here...
>
>  To Bob:
>
> "An invasive species is a non-native species whose introduction does or is
> likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human, animal, or
> plant health." - National Invasive Species Council
>
>  "Invasive Plant: A plant that is both non-native and able to establish
> on many sites, grow quickly, and spread to the point of disrupting plant
> communities or ecosystems. Note: From the Presidential Executive Order
> 13112 (February 1999): 'An invasive species is defined as a species that is
> 1) non-native (or alien) to the ecosystem under consideration and 2) whose
> introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or
> harm to human health.' In contrast to item 2) of the Executive Order, which
> includes plants invasive in agricultural settings, the Connecticut Invasive
> Plant Working Group lists non-native plants as invasive only if they invade
> minimally managed (natural) areas." - Natural Resource Conservation Service
>
> I would just be careful (depending on what circles you are speaking in) in
> saying that a native plant can be 'invasive', as officially I think
> 'invasive species' are defined as non-natives. It is just semantics, but I
> might argue that native plants can be 'weedy' or 'aggressive', but not
> technically 'invasive'.
>
>
> To Katy - How are you addressing the potential native-invasive Phragmites
> hybrid issue? I would be interested in hearing more about your project -
> sounds interesting!
>
>
> Julie
>
>
> Julie Knudson
> Tamarisk Coalition
> 970-256-7400
>
>
>
>
>
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