Terrestrial biotechnology

Abstract

Ecophysiological and molecular biological investigations of soil microorganisms have developed well, including critical studies of the fate and transport of genetically-modified microorganisms. Such studies will make contributions to areas ranging from the understanding of global change to the catabolism of xenobiotics in soil. Inundative inoculation procedures have not yet sustained their early promise. Greater opportunity appears to lie in the management of indigenous or intrinsic biota. For the protection of human health and the environment, environmental diagnostics, which will include the use of novel biosensors, would seem to offer great prospects.