Gene Deletor Technology to Prevent Gene Flow

Scientists at the University of Connecticut have developed a tool which could prevent genetically-modified (GM) gene flow into non-biotech crops or weeds. Known as the “GM (genetically-modified)-gene-deletor”, the technology could be particularly useful to confine engineered genes by initiating the gene deletion process immediately prior to seed or fruit development. Yi Li and co-workers observed exceptionally high deletion efficiency in the experimental plants, and they expect an enormous potential for the technology to be used in large-scale plantings of agricultural crops, genetically improved trees, and bioenergy/biofuel and pulp generating species.

Read the news release at http://news.uconn.edu/2007/February/rel07015.html.