Support traditional cross-breeding, not GMO


Mary McClung from Kipahulu has a good letter in the Advertiser about GMO kalo, pointing out many of the problems with GMO papayas, and advocating "more funds to be spent supporting traditional breeding research" which have already developed hardier and disease resistant varieties of kalo.

In fact, this is the same thing Hawaiian farmers did for centuries, and the source of the two hundred or so cultivars of kalo that they developed.

I know that there is sometimes some confusion between traditional hybridization and genetic modification, and the GMO research has created suspicion about any kalo research, but Mary sums up the difference simply: "Whereas traditional breeding techniques draw upon the rich possibilities of genetic diversity within a particular species, biotechnology insists on crossing that species barrier."

Meanwhile, the Star-Bulletin editorial on biopharming says "increased environmental safeguards are needed," noting that "Hawaii has more test sites for modified crops than anywhere else in the world so proper oversight may be more urgent than elsewhere," including through the disclosure of the location of test plots. The editorial says new rules are needed that would "assure protection against contamination of people and other species."


Posted: Mon - June 6, 2005 at 11:08 AM    
   
 
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Published On: Dec 27, 2005 10:15 PM
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