http://www.nzherald.co.nz/storydisplay.cfm?storyID=170916&thesection=news
GM bug 'could end all life'
03.02.2001
All life on Earth could be destroyed by genetically modified bacteria, a
scientist has told the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification. Four
scientists gave evidence for the Green Party at the hearing this week via
video link from the United States. Soil ecologist Elaine Ingham spoke about a
plant-killing GM bacteria that her Oregon State University research team
prevented from being released into the environment. Dr Ingham said the
alcohol-producing bacteria had been approved for field trials when her team
discovered its lethal effects. She believed the widespread plant deaths
caused by the bacteria would in turn affect all life on Earth. The GM
klebsiella planticola produced alcohol from post-harvest crop residue. The
leftover organic sludge, containing the bacteria, would be returned to fields
as fertiliser. Dr Ingham said she had independently tested the bacteria on
plants, which the regulatory authority had failed to do. "After seven days,
all wheat plants turned into slime." This example showed the need for better
risk assessment of ecological impact. Green Party co-leader Jeanette
Fitzsimons said the risks of GM organisms to the environment were currently
unknown. Outdoor field trials of GM crops should never be allowed under these
circumstances. - NZPA
