GM Potatoes Have No Effects on Soil Microbes

Transgenic potato lines expressing the T4-lysozyme gene have no effects on the composition of microflora in the soil near the roots (rhizosphere) and inside the plants (endosphere), according to a study made by researchers from the Wageningen University (WUR) in the Netherlands. The potatoes were genetically modified to combat pathogenic fungi and bacteria that cause diseases like soft rot and blackleg. The scientists employed PCR-DDGE community fingerprinting to monitor the shifts in the soil and root microflora.

WUR scientist Leo van Overbeek said that with the T4-lysozyme (an enzyme that damages bacterial cell wall) -expressing potato as a model, one can expect the highest chance of unintentional effects. But results of the experiment show that the gene does not have any impact on soil microorganisms. He commented that the use of GM potatoes expressing the T4 gene in combating pathogens could be of major importance for sustainability in agriculture.

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