Originally published in 1999 (?)....
Last year, researchers were funded by the U.S. government to create fungi that destroy drug plants, including marijuana (Cannabis species).
The fungi will be genetically engineered. Controversies surrounding this "new solution" for the war on drugs are discussed, including the ethics of exterminating plant species that have occupied central roles in human culture for thousands of years.
The importation of foreign fungi into new habitats is fraught with unpredictable environmental pitfalls; exotic pathogens can spread from their intended targets to other organisms.
All known pathogens of marijuana also attack hemp; exterminating drug plants will probably spell the demise of a valuable and resurgent fiber and oil-seed crop.
Genetically transformed fungi are genetically unstable and mutate easily. Fungi with recombinant DNA may reproduce with native fungi and create new strains of virulent, transgenic pathogens. Once these pathogens are released in the environment, they cannot be recalled.
In summary, we argue that research involving transgenic pathogens of Cannabis is a dangerous misuse of biotechnology, and call for an immediate moratorium.
Killing Cannabis with Mycoherbicides (complete)
Last year, researchers were funded by the U.S. government to create fungi that destroy drug plants, including marijuana (Cannabis species).
The fungi will be genetically engineered. Controversies surrounding this "new solution" for the war on drugs are discussed, including the ethics of exterminating plant species that have occupied central roles in human culture for thousands of years.
The importation of foreign fungi into new habitats is fraught with unpredictable environmental pitfalls; exotic pathogens can spread from their intended targets to other organisms.
All known pathogens of marijuana also attack hemp; exterminating drug plants will probably spell the demise of a valuable and resurgent fiber and oil-seed crop.
Genetically transformed fungi are genetically unstable and mutate easily. Fungi with recombinant DNA may reproduce with native fungi and create new strains of virulent, transgenic pathogens. Once these pathogens are released in the environment, they cannot be recalled.
In summary, we argue that research involving transgenic pathogens of Cannabis is a dangerous misuse of biotechnology, and call for an immediate moratorium.
Killing Cannabis with Mycoherbicides (complete)
