Thursday, August 10, 2006
GM grass takes a walk on the wild side - World - Times Online: "
Americas
The Times August 10, 2006
GM grass takes a walk on the wild side
By Lewis Smith
An experimental plant, designed for golf courses, has been found three miles from its test site
A GENETICALLY modified grass designed to improve golf courses and lawns has caused alarm in the US after escaping into the wild.
Creeping bentgrass, Agrostis stolonifera, has spread up to three miles outside a test site in Oregon with nine different plants being identified.
It had been modified to make it impervious to the herbicide glysophate and was designed to appeal to golf course managers who would be able to spray large areas to kill off weeds without damaging the grass.
Homeowners were considered another lucrative market because it could help them to create perfect lawns in front of their houses.
The US Department of Agriculture has ordered a full environmental audit of its impact and spread to determine the threat to wildlife. Unlike GM crops such as maize and soybeans, which are annuals and unable to reproduce, the perennial grass was able to produce seeds during outdoor tests."
Americas
The Times August 10, 2006
GM grass takes a walk on the wild side
By Lewis Smith
An experimental plant, designed for golf courses, has been found three miles from its test site
A GENETICALLY modified grass designed to improve golf courses and lawns has caused alarm in the US after escaping into the wild.
Creeping bentgrass, Agrostis stolonifera, has spread up to three miles outside a test site in Oregon with nine different plants being identified.
It had been modified to make it impervious to the herbicide glysophate and was designed to appeal to golf course managers who would be able to spray large areas to kill off weeds without damaging the grass.
Homeowners were considered another lucrative market because it could help them to create perfect lawns in front of their houses.
The US Department of Agriculture has ordered a full environmental audit of its impact and spread to determine the threat to wildlife. Unlike GM crops such as maize and soybeans, which are annuals and unable to reproduce, the perennial grass was able to produce seeds during outdoor tests."
Subscribe to Posts [Atom]
