Genetic modification (GM) technology has been around for more than 20 years and has received considerable publicity about its use in the development of plant varieties for agriculture and horticulture.

On the Defra website, a genetically modified organism (GMO) is defined as an organism in which "the genetic material has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination".

Throughout the world, a considerable proportion of biological research centres on the relatively new scientific discipline of genomics, and Warwick HRI is no exception. Genomics provides detailed understanding of the genetic material of a target organism, allowing researchers to identify specific genes responsible for specific proteins with specific functions in that organism.

What are the latest developments in horticultural GM technology?

On November 18, the HRIA will be hosting ‘GM technology in horticulture - where do we stand?’ at Warwick HRI, Wellesbourne.

The aim of this one-day meeting is to review developments in GM technology and genomics that are of relevance to horticulture and to provide some insights into the issues surrounding the release of genetically modified organisms into the environment.

The six expert speakers will cover a range of topics including the role of genomics and genetic modification in horticultural R&D (focusing particularly on crop plants, soil microflora and biopesticides), risk assessment of gene flow, and the results of the recently completed Defra-funded study on the effect that the management practices associated with genetically modified herbicide tolerant crops might have on farmland wildlife (Farm Scale Evaluations).

To reserve your place or for more information on the programme, please contact Jeanette Horton on Tel: 02476 575243 or by email jeanette.horton@warwick.ac.uk.

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