Synthetic Biology

Biography

Biography: John Samuels

Abstract

Several transgenic disease-resistant crop forms have been developed for commercial use across the world. Most of these rely on genetic transformation brought about by genes substituted from the soil-borne microorganism Bacillus thuringiensis (“Bt”) which confer the ability to produce “Cry” proteins, which are lethal to arthropods such as lepidopterans. In the interests of biosafety, certain environmental risk assessments should be undertaken, so that the environmental consequences of commercial production can be determined. Such consequences include transgene transfer to related species of spiny solanums. If Bt transgenes become introgressed into these species the resultant hybrids may constitute a serious risk to plant biodiversity. This arises from the combination of pest resistance with the inherent weedy nature of this group. The resultant situation could generate aggressive weeds with a tendency to become invasive, particularly in the vicinity of farms in South and South-east Asia, on which Bt brinjal is cultivated. The implications for ecological equilibrium will thus present a threat to plant biodiversity. In order to make thorough assessments of these risks certain essential background information on the precise biological, taxonomic and floristic characteristics of the transformed species and its cultivated and wild relatives must be amassed. This should encompass information on: reproductive characteristics and phenology; interfertility relationships between the transformant and related species, as well as between the relatives themselves; correct nomenclature, identification and systematic placement; and floristics of wild relatives. Thorough and concise investigations of the possibility of transgene transfer to either (a) untransformed crops of the same species, (b) sympatric wild relatives, or (c) closely-related crops grown sympatrically, can thence be undertaken. The potential consequences for plant biodiversity of transgene transfer should not be underestimated, and detailed, long-term studies are vital for a balanced assessment of risks. The history of the development of Bt brinjal shows that, whilst certain studies have been of benefit, they have been limited in nature. An attempt is made here to contribute towards a fuller understanding of essential background information on Bt brinjal.