Agriculture is being revolutionized as plants are induced to produce novel products, including insecticides generated by the plants themselves rather than applied by the grower. Even the environment is benefiting from biotechnology that creates microorganisms that feed on and neutralize hazardous wastes. Although the connection between these breakthroughs and natural history may not be obvious, in fact scientists at INHS daily use the tools of biotechnology. Recently an INHS scientist discovered that the fungus that causes soybean brown stem rot has mutated, so it can infect resistant strains of soybeans. The researcher was able to identify a genetic change that distinguishes the mutant from the regular fungus.
Biotechnology also finds applications to conservation.
By extracting DNA from prairie chicken skins collected earlier this century, INHS scientists demonstrated that prior populations had high genetic diversity, whereas current populations did not. The precipitous decline and probable extinction of the prairie chicken in Illinois was averted by introducing birds from elsewhere to increase the genetic diversity. We are also gaining a deeper understanding of the state's biodiversity using biotechnological tools. Studies on species like the endangered Illinois mud turtle are clarifying its relationships to other mud turtles, information needed to assess its status and develop a management plan. Future research directions may include studying the impact that agricultural biotechnology has on agroecosystems and adjacent natural ecosystems.