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Review
. 2000 Dec 15;290(5499):2088-93.
doi: 10.1126/science.290.5499.2088.

The ecological risks and benefits of genetically engineered plants

L L Wolfenbarger  1 , P R Phifer
Affiliations
Review

The ecological risks and benefits of genetically engineered plants

L L Wolfenbarger et al. Science. .

Abstract

Discussions of the environmental risks and benefits of adopting genetically engineered organisms are highly polarized between pro- and anti-biotechnology groups, but the current state of our knowledge is frequently overlooked in this debate. A review of existing scientific literature reveals that key experiments on both the environmental risks and benefits are lacking. The complexity of ecological systems presents considerable challenges for experiments to assess the risks and benefits and inevitable uncertainties of genetically engineered plants. Collectively, existing studies emphasize that these can vary spatially, temporally, and according to the trait and cultivar modified.

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Comment in

  • GM crops and patterns of pesticide use.
    Carpenter J. Carpenter J. Science. 2001 Apr 27;292(5517):637-8. doi: 10.1126/science.292.5517.637b. Science. 2001. PMID: 11330316 No abstract available.
  • Risk assessment data for GM crops.
    Gregory P, von Grebmer K, Ehart O. Gregory P, et al. Science. 2001 Apr 27;292(5517):638-9. doi: 10.1126/science.292.5517.638. Science. 2001. PMID: 11330317 No abstract available.

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