GMO and biological pollution

But before drawing a final conclusion on this matter a clear picture of genetic engineering, molecular biology and GMO should be brought into light and then let us measure their impact on biological system and the need for further research. However, with the advent of twentieth century biological science has made its landmarks in every decade and within a few years Mendle's hypothetical 'factors' could be translated into 'genes' whose chemical nature was also known as early as 1953. Thereafter, research work in biological sciences has advanced rather 'fast'. Scientists have learned very quickly to isolate, analyse, clone and engineer the particular gene or genes and study their property. This along with other modern biology like tissue culture, protoplast culture and fusion have ushered a new era of modern science namely biotechnology with tremendous potentialities. The need for advanced genetic technology is imperative which includes methods of plant breeding. This evolved new varieties of rice and is mostly confined to food crops.

Next tissue culture could be given priority when this technique in which a single cell or tissue from animals or plants can be induced or inducted to undergo repeated in vitro divisions to produce large quantities of same materials within a shorter period. By following this method of cell propagation, besides the quick multiplication of normal tissues, endangered genetic resources can also be rescued to propagate in mass materials from preselected plant, animal and microorganisms. The science of genetic engineering has revolutionised the field of biology. Starting with the production of insulin by E. coli through the insertion of corresponding gene synthesised in the test tube, the technique is acclaimed for any gene controlled system. Gene cloning will certainly open the door for industrial production of other raw materials.

It is very important to learn the behaviour of such genes first and then transfer them to other suitable plants for better expression. In Bangladesh, the introduction of advanced genetic technologies for the improvement of plant genetic resources is a prime need and attention be given to this aspect. The understanding of molecular mechanism of growth development and flowering processes in plants is also important for overall plant improvement including biomass production. Hormones play a very vital role in plant growth and development including flowering. The area of flowering hormones is a very promising one to this effect. It is expected that spectacular gains or at least a promise for such a gain in many tropical plantation crops will be achieved through new technologies.

But plantation crops have always suffered from a lack of breeding attention. Very little attention has been paid for the identification of improved lines and their breeding. The new technologies should be a supplement rather than an alternative to the old practices.

Now it is advisable to discuss more important phases which have been disclosed by the renowned columnist, if the cultivation of golden rice starts immediately in our country. He has given very important information regarding the induction of colour of Daffodil flower and bacteria. Then it is being sent as golden rice to Bangladesh and the people are having it with pleasure in the hope of getting vitamin A in rice. According to him this gene of Daffodil flower and also bacteria are alive and can pollute other plants and living beings including trees. Specially this golden rice imported from IRRI may cause deformity of other varieties of rice. It is a matter of great concern to us that if this variety starts polluting environment it would be very difficult to take remedial measure and a time will come when our country will face a serious crisis with production of other cereal crops.

But it seems very surprising that Dr. Mahboob Hossain, head of the department of social science of IRRI, Philippines has been taking initiative to introduce GMO in agricultural sector in our country. This is also a matter of astonishment to note that neither IRRI nor CPD has taken research on biodiversity based on production system considering environment and ecology. The reason lies on the inability of our farmer to pay them for this purpose. Dr Mahboob has categorically admitted that there may be perceived risk in GMO then the question arises why he is interested in what brings no good for us.

It should be very specifically clear to all why GMO is considered dangerous. There are lots of reasons behind it. First there is possibility of extinction of animals. Secondly during induction of gene of one organism to other this may pollute the whole environmental system which is called biological pollution. In other words the gene which is not supposed to be present in a particular animal may pollute it with the presence of peculiar characteristics which are not at all desirable.

It is, therefore, urgently felt that before the introduction of such variety of rice for cultivation, the authorities concerned kindly think over the matter again and again and take effective steps considering the fate of the poor farmers of Bangladesh.

Dr Md Shahjahan Ali is Professor, Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Bangladesh Agricultural University.