Horticulture Research International will run a seminar programme on GM technology in horticulture tomorrow asking the question “where do we stand?”
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. Throughout the world, much biological research centres on the relatively new scientific discipline of genomics which 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.
The aim of this one-day conference 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 speakers will cover a range of topics including the role of genomics and genetic modification in horticultural R&D, risk assessment of GM crops, and the results of the recently completed study on the effect that the management practices associated with genetically modified herbicide tolerant crops might have on farmland wildlife (Farm Scale Evaluations).
Programme:
10:00Coffee and registration
Morning session
10:20Welcome address - Chairman
Professor Peter Mills, Warwick HRI
10:30GM at 21: where do we stand?
Professor Simon Bright, Warwick HRI
11:00The role of genomics and genetic modification in horticultural R&D
Dr Graham King, Warwick HRI
11:30 Gene transfer & GM microbes
Professor Elizabeth Wellington, University of Warwick
12:00Genetically modified biopesticides
Dr Doreen Winstanley, Warwick HRI
12:30Lunch
Afternoon session
Chairman - Professor Michael Wilson, University of Warwick
14:00Assessing the risk of GM crops using insects
Dr Jamie Sutherland, University of Southampton
14:30The Farm Scale Evaluations - a new approach to testing the environmental impact of agricultural technologies
Dr Ian Woiwood, Rothamsted Research
15:00General discussion.
Chairman - Simon Bright, Warwick HRI
15:30 Tea and depart
To reserve your place, contact Jeanette Horton on 02476 575243 or by email jeanette.horton@warwick.ac.uk
