THE environment could be under threat from an unexpected source. If the
inedible parts of new breeds of crop plants contain abnormal levels of
substances such as sugars, they could attract different insects and upset the
local ecology, says a plant biotechnologist from Illinois.
Such changes are not currently monitored in either genetically modified or
conventionally bred plants. Regulators look primarily for potential alterations
in the produce of the plant, such as tomatoes or potatoes. It’s even less likely
that these changes would be picked up in conventionally bred plants, as they do
not have to be checked as thoroughly…
