GM superweed fears overstated
8 February 2001
GM superweed fears ‘overstated’
By FWi staff
FEARS that genetically modified crops could turn into superweeds appear to be overstated, according to new research.
A 10-year study of four types of GM crop found they did not survive well in the wild, reports The Times.
Professor Michael Crawley of Imperial College, Silwood Park, began testing how well GM and non-GM crops would survive in the wild.
In no cases were GM plants found to be more invasive or persistent that conventional counterparts, reported the scientists.
Government wildlife advisors English Nature welcomed the reports, but warned against complacency.
Dr Brian Johnson, head of the English Nature biotechnology unit said: “Other GM plants, such as those made tolerant to drought or pests, may behave very differently in the wild.
“This kind of research will need to be repeated for future GM crops.”
Dr Johnson claimed that the research was limited as it did not cast any light on GM pollen flow, nor look at how GM varieties could change crop management.
- GM superweed found in Cambridgeshire, FWi, 19 April, 1999
- Scientists warn of GM superweeds, FWi, 09 September, 1998