This means that genetic material inserted into a crop plant can find its way into wild plant populations. We know that BT toxin can be released from the roots of BT corn plants, but no published studies have looked at the ecological consequences of adding BT toxin to soil in this way. Scientists are currently unable to estimate the likelihood that planting genetically engineered virus-resistant crops will lead to the development of new types of plant viruses. A precautionary approach would require that we investigate these questions before, rather than after, permitting large-scale commercial cultivation of genetically engineered crops. Rachel Massey is a consultant to Environmental Research Foundation.
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