In the 15 December, 2000, issue of the journal Science, two researchers published an up-to-date review of the scientific evidence on the ecological risks and benefits of genetically engineered plants (1). The authors, citing dozens of recent scientific studies, suggest that current knowledge is incomplete:
"Discussions of the environmental risks and benefits of adopting genetically engineered organisms are highly polarized between pro- and anti-biotechnology groups, but the current state of our knowledge is frequently overlooked in this debate. A review of existing scientific literature reveals that key experiments on both the environmental risks and benefits are lacking. The complexity of ecological systems presents considerable challenges for experiments to assess the risks and benefits and inevitable uncertainties of genetically engineered plants. Collectively, existing studies emphasize that these can vary spatially, temporally, and according to the trait and cultivar modified."
The authors drew six main conclusions:
- Risks and benetfits of GEOs are not entirely certain or universal.
- The ability to predict ecological impacts of any introduced species (GE or not) is difficult, and available data have limitations.
- Some benefits and risks may exist that have not yet been identified or addressed in published literature.
- The quantity and quality of different GEOs that may eventually be developed merit special consideration for risk assessment.
- Better evaluation of potential benefts will help risk managers know how these balance with potential risks.
- Measures developed to prevent gene transfer to wild plants can reduce the potential enironmental impacts and prolong possible benefits.
The review was written by two Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the organization that publishes Science Magazine.
Reference
(1) Wolfenbarger, L.L. & Phifer, P.R. 2000. The ecological risks and benefits of genetically engineered plants. Science 290:2088-2093.
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