Crops That Shut Down Pests’ Genes
November 12, 2007 | Source: Technology Review
Researchers have created plants that kill insects by initiating a gene-silencing response called RNA interference that targets particular genes in particular insects, and may be safer and less likely to have unintended effects than other genetically modified plants.
Genetically modified corn made by Monsanto silences genes in the insects that eat its roots, slowing and eventually killing them. Credit: Monsanto.
Others warn that it is too early to make such predictions and that the plants should be carefully tested to ensure that they do not pose environmental problems.
