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Popsci_2014 01355.txt

#Genetic Pesticides Could Target Individual Speciesif you use a neuro-poison it kills everything Subba Reddy Palli an entomologist at the University of Kentucky who is researching the technology which is called RNA interference told the New york times . But this one is very target-specific. The technique called RNA interference or RNAI works by creating snippets of RNA that correspond to genes in the target species say corn rootworm. When these chunks of genetic material enter the rootworm perhaps after being sprayed onto the crop the animal reacts to this RNA snippet as it would an invading virus. This prompts a response that attacks and silences the corresponding gene in the host's own DNA. If this gene is necessary for the organism's survival the theory goes it dies. The idea behind RNAI was awarded the 2006 Nobel prize in physiology/medicine but applying it to fight pests is a recent development. The EPA met on Tuesday (Jan 28) to discuss safety issues regarding the technique and will report on the proceedings within 90 days. Monsanto is developing several products along these lines as the Times notes: Monsanto has applied for regulatory approval of corn that is genetically engineered to use RNAI as the approach is called for short to kill the western corn rootworm one of the costliest of agricultural pests. In another project it is trying to develop a spray that would restore the ability of its Roundup herbicide to kill weeds that have grown impervious to it. But not everybody is on board: To attempt to use this technology at this current stage of understanding would be more naã Â ve than our use of DDT in the 1950s the National Honey Bee Advisory board said in comments submitted to the E. P. A. before the meeting at the agency s conference center in Arlington Va. There are concerns that RNAI could kill good species closely related to the target pest have health effects on humans or other unknown consquences. New york times e

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