Roundup-Resistant Bentgrass
Friend or Frankenweed?
October, 2004
Genetically modified grass that’s resistant to a widely used pesticide: Modern technology or monster unleashed? Could this supergrass crossbreed with other species to create an unstoppable "Frankenweed"?No, it’s not a horror movie. It’s a reality. And it may be coming soon to a golf course near you.
Two years ago, when the Leaf-let first told you about Roundup-resistant creeping bentgrass (http://www.albrightseed.com/leaflitternov2002.htm) it was to announce that the biotech firm Monsanto had withdrawn its proposal to commercially market the product, due to concerns that it would become "an environmental nightmare."
Now, turf expert The Scotts Company, working alongside agribusiness giant Monsanto, wants to launch its product, Roundup Ready® Creeping Bentgrass. The bentgrass, used primarily on golf courses and as a forage crop, was engineered to contain the Roundup (glyphosate) resistance gene CP4 EPSPS (See The Best of the Leaf-let, Attack of the Superweeds, http://www.albrightseed.com/superweeds.htm).
The Scotts/Monsanto bentgrass can withstand repeated applications of Roundup—an herbicide made by Monsanto—which normally kills all grasses and other plants. Scotts and Monsanto believe that use of the GE (genetically engineered) bentgrass will make weed control easier for golf course managers and others in related fields. The Scotts Company recently petitioned the USDA to deregulate the product as it has other crops.
However, creeping bentgrass is different and—in the minds of some environmentalists—potenially more hazardous than other plants, because it is a perennial that establishes without cultivation in a variety of habitats, reproducing through seeds as well as stems. Additionally, creeping bentgrass has numerous close relatives with which it can cross-pollinate, forming natural hybrids.
Proceed With Caution
Although the Scotts and Monsanto companies are confident their new product will be a godsend to turfgrass managers, their actions seem to acknowledge that this product is being closely scrutinized by the scientific community and various governmental bodies.
According to the Scotts’ Web site (http://www.scottsproseed.com/products/turf.cfm):
"As part of the commercialization process, Roundup Ready® Creeping Bentgrass regulatory clearance will be sought from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). APHIS is a key agency in the review process and must determine that the product poses no unacceptable risks to the environment or to agriculture. In addition, the EPA regulates pesticides and has registration authority for the use of Roundup PRO® herbicide over the top of Roundup Ready® Creeping Bentgrass. Consultation with the FDA also will be part of the process, to allow the use of Roundup Ready® Creeping Bentgrass straw as animal feed."
The site also points out that "Roundup Ready® Creeping Bentgrass is not approved for sale or distribution in the United States" and that it "...is a violation of Federal Law to promote any unregistered herbicide use."
An Ill Wind
While The Scotts Company’s cautionary verbiage sounds environmentally responsible, many scientists are concerned that GE bentgrass will eventually wreak havoc with other plants, creating the aforementioned Frankenweed effect.
Recent studies conducted in Oregon (see overLEAF-3) showed that wind-blown pollen from fields of the Scotts/Monsanto modified bentgrass had traveled to wild-growing plants in the area. EPA officials are not publicly speculating on possible long-term effects of cross-pollination, but other groups, including the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), an independent, nonprofit alliance of scientists, engineers and "concerned citizens", has expressed apprehension. According to the UCS Web site (http://www.ucsusa.org/food_and_environment/biotechnology/page.cfm?pageID=1374), potential problems in deregulating glyphosphate-resistant creeping bentgrass include: "Exacerbating the harmful effects of existing bentgrass weeds; creating new or worse weeds through hybridization with wild relatives; creating new or worse weeds that are not related to bentgrass; contaminating the seed supply for nonengineered bentgrass and related grasses; causing harm to people and the environment as a result of increased exposure to highly toxic herbicides; (and) causing unknown harms as a result of genetic engineering."
The UCS recommends that the USDA delay action on glyphosate-resistant bentgrass until there’s a program to better regulate genetically engineered plants—or until they’re banned completely.
Safety First at S&S
Four years ago, we told Leaf-let readers that our policy is clear: At S&S Seeds, we will not knowingly sell genetically modified products until reproducible, independent, statistically significant testing proves them to be safe.
If you have questions about any of our products, please give us a call at (805) 684-0436. As always, we’re here to help.
© 2004 Wendy Dager
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