Genetic Manipulation of Pest Species: Ecological and Social Challenges March 4-6, 2009
North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC In the past 10 years major advances have been made in our ability to build transgenic pest strains that are conditionally sterile, harbor selfish genetic elements, and express anti-pathogen genes. Strategies are being developed that involve release into the environment of transgenic pest strains with such characteristics. These releases could provide more environmentally benign pest management and save endangered species, but steps must be taken to insure that this is the case and that there are no significant health or environmental risks associated with releases. Our conference will foster discussion of risks and benefits of these technologies among scientists, policy makers, and citizens Registration is now open and will be limited to 100 participants. For registration form email to [email protected] *The registration fee is $20 for students/postdocs and $50 for all others. This fee will help defray costs of breakfasts and lunches. *The conference will start at 8:00AM, March 4th. It will end at Noon, March 6th. *An introductory workshop will be held from 1-6PM on March 3rd for any participants interested in an overview of basic Genetic Pest Management principles and methods. *A number of hotels are located near the University, and we will provide details to registrants. ----------------------------------------AGENDA----------------------------- ---------------- (*confirmed speakers) Wednesday, March 4 Keynote Lecture Peter Kareiva* The Nature Conservancy Chief Scientist Morning session The science of Genetic Pest Management (GPM) Alan Robinson, U.N. Atomic Energy Agency, Austria. Overview and History of GPM. Charles Godfray*, Oxford University, UK. The impact of new molecular tools on GPM. Bruce Hay, Cal Tech. Molecular challenges facing development of engineered pests. Luke Alphey*, Oxitec, UK. Commercial development of GPM insect strains. Discussion Afternoon session Case study I. Disease-vectoring insects Tom Scott*, U.C. Davis. Transgenic mosquitoes and Dengue control, ecological issues. Bart Knols*, Wageningen Agricultural University. Transgenes for control of human malaria, and why sterile insect release should come first. Susan Jarvi* & Dennis LaPointe, University of Hawaii. Avian malaria: Can GPM save endangered species? Discussion Case Study II. Plants Bernd Blossey*, Cornell University. Can GPM help to control invasive species? Jonathan Gressel*, Weizman Institute, Israel, Self control of weeds with transposon transmitted suicide genes. Norm Ellstrand, UC Riverside. Population genetic plant characteristics and the feasibility of GPM. Discussion Case Study III. Vertebrate pests John Godwin*, NC State University. Sex ratio manipulation for control of invasive fish. Grant Singleton*, International Rice Research Institute. Is there a role for GPM in rodent pest management? Discussion Thursday, March 5 Morning session Case Study IV. Agricultural insect pests Susan McCombs* USDA. Genetic strategies for control of tephritid fruit flies. Pedro Rendon*, USDA Guatemala. Generic protocols for evaluation of transgenic fruit fly strains. Ken Bloem, USDA* Traditional & transgenic approaches for control of Lepidoptera. Hannah Barrack*, George Kennedy*, NC State University. Other insect targets Discussion Synthesizing across systems 1. Ecological risks of genetic pest management Moderator: Nick Haddad*, NC State University Peter Kareiva*, The Nature Conservancy David Andow*, U of Minnesota Doug Gurian-Sherman*, Union of Concerned Scientists Karl Suiter*, NC State University Afternoon session 2. Economic and regulatory issues in genetic pest management Moderator: Wally Thurman*, NC State University Scott Swinton*, Michigan State University Mitch Renko*, NC State University Janine Ramsey*, Chiapas Health Ministry, Mexico 3. Social risks of genetic pest management Moderator: Nora Haenn*, NC State University Paul Thompson*, Michigan State University Claudia Ytuarte*, Chiapas Health Ministry Gates Project, Mexico Allan Hruska*, FAO, Panama Friday, March 6 Morning Session, Drafting of documents: Opening the Dialogue on Genetic Modification of Pest Species Meeting adjourns
