Archived press release

Too sexy for their genes!

3 September 1998

Key research on genetically engineered crops (GMOs), “Promiscuity in Transgenic Plants”,published in this week's “Nature” magazine, shows that there is a serious risk of genetic pollution from GMO crops. A report from Joy Bergelson and colleagues at the University of Chicago suggests that there is an unexplained increase in the promiscuity of certain transgenic plants. The result could be a rapid cross-breeding between GMO crops and other wild weed relatives, possibly producing 'superweeds' resistant to normal herbicides.

Commenting on the research Adrian Bebb, Food Campaigner at Friends of the Earth said:
“This research indicates how unpredictable genetic engineering can be. If the modified oilseed rape planned for the UK is as promiscuous as this then we may face the serious environmental threat of superweeds in our countryside. The Government must now, finally, impose an immediate moratorium on these crops until detailed research can be completed.”

For further information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

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