FOR the first time, a fungus has been genetically modified to be more deadly to the weed it blights. The snag is that the GM fungus kills crop plants as well.
While the modified fungus will not be released as a result of the findings, the case shows how genetic modification can have unintended consequences. It is also proof, were any needed, that biotechnology could be harnessed to create weapons that attack crops (see “‘Act now’ plea on bioterror threat”).
The fungus was modified to attack velvetleaf weed (Abutilon theophrasti). As it is a close relative of cotton, most…
