A Seminar held in the Framework of the Biomolecular Engineering Programma of the Commission of the European Communities, at the Carlsberg Laboratory in Copenhagen, October 9-10, 1984

Assists policymakers in evaluating the appropriate scientific methods for detecting unintended changes in food and assessing the potential for adverse health effects from genetically modified products. In this book, the committee recommended that greater scrutiny should be given to foods containing new compounds or unusual amounts of naturally occurring substances, regardless of the method used to create them. The book offers a framework to guide federal agencies in selecting the route of safety assessment. It identifies and recommends several pre- and post-market approaches to guide the assessment of unintended compositional changes that could result from genetically modified foods and research avenues to fill the knowledge gaps.

Molecular Aspects of Plant Beneficial Microbes in Agriculture explores their diverse interactions, including the pathogenic and symbiotic relationship which leads to either a decrease or increase in crop productivity. Focusing on these environmentally-friendly approaches, the book explores their potential in changing climatic conditions. It presents the exploration and regulation of beneficial microbes in offering sustainable and alternative solutions to the use of chemicals in agriculture. The beneficial microbes presented here are capable of contributing to nutrient balance, growth regulators, suppressing pathogens, orchestrating immune response and improving crop performance. The book also offers insights into the advancements in DNA technology and bioinformatic approaches which have provided in-depth knowledge about the molecular arsenal involved in mineral uptake, nitrogen fixation, growth promotion and biocontrol attributes.

This book discusses genetic engineering of both plants and microbes for making agricultural practices more productive and sustainable. It chapters explore the understanding of the interaction between plants and microbes, and genomic information to modify the metabolism of plants or microbes to further enhance the beneficial interaction. The book covers the development of commercial inoculants including selection of appropriate plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria/ phosphate solubilize bacteria based on target host plant, soil type, indigenous microbial communities, environmental conditions, inoculant density, suitability of carriers and compatibility with integrated crop management. This is a relevant content for scientists and researchers working on soil biology, sustainable agricultural and plant physiology. Also, this book is a useful read for graduate and post graduate students of agriculture, botany and microbiology.

Plant scientists and science policymakers from government, private companies, and universities met at a convocation on the genetic engineering of plants. During the convocation, researchers described some of the ways genetic engineering may be used to address agricultural problems. Policymakers delineated and debated changes in research funding and training necessary to realize this potential. In addition, various speakers urged new collaborative efforts among basic scientists and plantbreeders. This book, intended to serve as an introduction and guide for those who wish to follow the development of this promising new technology, summarizes these discussions. Sections in the book focus on topics and issues related to: (1) crop improvement; (2) gene transfer; (3) genetic engineering as a tool for fundamental plant science; (4) somatic cell genetics; (5) applications of biotechnology to agricultural problems (including herbicide resistance, bioengineered microorganisms used to combat plant diseases, and nitrogen fixation); (6) policy and institutional considerations; (7) university-industry relations (considering university concerns, industry concerns, and a three-way cooperative program in New York); (8) safety regulations; and (9) patents. (JN)