Dangerous genes? Plant research caught between opportunity and criticism

Description: Dangerous genes? Plant research caught between opportunity and criticismResearch Field: Plant ResearchNot only will genetically modified plants help to combat hunger in the world, they also contain more vitamins. These are arguments presented by advocates of "green genetic engineering." On the other hand, critics point out the risks involved with this research and fear unforeseeable consequences for consumers and the environment.Do scientists take such issues into account in their work? The author pays a visit to researchers at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology in Potsdam-Golm, where a research project with potatoes is causing a great deal of controversy. These genetically modified potatoes produce more starch than their unmodified counterparts.The first plants have now been planted in an outdoor test field. The researchers hope to find out whether they can obtain the same results outdoors as they have achieved in the lab. However, they can expect daily disruptions of their open-air experiments by opponents of genetic engineering.For this reason, addressing the concerns of action groups and environmental organizations is part of their everyday work. The scientists are trying to persuade their opponents through scientific argumentation. After all, competition from abroad is very high and the Max Planck researchers do not want to lose international access in the area of green genetic engineering.Copyright: © Deutsche WellePublished at ScienceStage.com in cooperation with the Max Planck Society.Involved Institutes: Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant PhysiologyMax Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research