Bentgrass goes AWOL: A story of transgene escape, risk assessment, and regulation
By Carol Auer
March 9, 12-1pm, W.B. Young 002
The U.S. has adopted some genetically engineered crops, but grasses modified for turf, forage, or biofuels have not been widely implemented. The escape of glyphosate resistant creeping bentgrass in 2003 raised many questions about the effects of transgene escape on landscape ecology, and highlighted the conflicting agendas in government regulation. Dr. Auer will describe four research projects that helped assess the potential impact of bentgrass gene flow from golf courses. The story of creeping bentgrass illustrates the importance of plant science research in predicting future risks and costs for seed companies, land managers, homeowners, and the environment.
About the speaker:
Carol Auer, Ph.D.
Professor Emerita
Plant Science Dept., University of Connecticut
For more information go to: http://plantscience.uconn.edu/People/Faculty/Auer.php
For more information, contact: Rosa Raudales at rosa.raudales@uconn.edu