Contents - Faperta

508 Biotechnological Approaches for Pest Management and Ecological Sustainability
these concerns may be real, the others seem to be highly exaggerated. There are no records
of a plant becoming a weed as a result of plant breeding (Cook, 2000). This may be because
of low risk of crop plants to the environment, extensive testing of the crop varieties before
release, and adequate management practices to mitigate risks inherent in crop plants.
Future research on environmental effects of transgenic crops should focus attention on:
• Effects of transgenic plants on the activity and abundance of nontarget herbivore
arthropods, natural enemies, and fauna and fl ora in the rhizosphere and aquatic
systems;
• Development of transgenes with specifi city effects, so that pests but not the benefi -
cial organisms are targeted;
• Considering Cry proteins with specifi city to different binding sites for gene pyramiding
as a component of the resistance management strategy;
• Using a detailed understanding of resistance mechanisms, insect biology, and
plant molecular biology to tailor gene expression in transgenic plants for effi cient
pest management;
• Planting of refuge crops and use of integrated pest management from the very
beginning to delay development of resistance;
• Studying the extent and implications of gene transfer to and between bacteria and
viruses;
• Devising appropriate measures to contain gene fl ow where its likely consequences
may be deleterious to the environment; and
• Considering the risk of not using transgenic crops, particularly in developing
countries, where the technology may have most to offer.
In addition, governments, supported by the global scientifi c and development community,
must ensure safe and effective testing, and implement harmonized regulatory programs
that inspire public confi dence.
Biosafety of Food from Transgenic Crops
Genetically modifi ed plants have been released in different countries, but the regulations
governing the use of transgenic plants vary considerably. Existing regulations have been
applied to the production and release of genetically modifi ed plants, but have not been
adequate to address the potential environmental effects from the transgenic plants. The
biosafety issues related to the deployment of transgenic plants include risks for animal
and human health, such as toxicity and food quality and safety, allergies, and resistance to
antibiotics. The need for and extent of safety evaluation may be based on the comparison
of the new food and the analogous food, if any, and the interaction of the transgene with
the environment (Cook, 2000). Foods derived from genetically modifi ed plants are now
appearing in the market and many more are likely to emerge in the future. The safety,
regulation, and labeling of these foods are still contentious issues in most countries
(MacCormick et al., 1998). In order to implement the regulations governing the production
and marketing of food derived from genetically modifi ed organisms, there is a need to