K. Gorlach, PROBLEMS IN THE INTRODUCTION OF GENETICALLY-ENGINEERED MICROORGANISMSINTO THE ENVIRONMENT, Acta Microbiologica Polonica, 43(2), 1994, pp. 121-131
The use and release of genetically engineered microorganisms (GEMs) in
to the environment, usually the agricultural environment, is increasin
g exponentially. Potential applications of GEMs include crop productio
n, pest management, degradation of environmental pollutants, mining an
d mineral recovery, and others. Several strategies of molecular and ce
llular biotechnology, such as recombinant DNA techniques, nuclear micr
oinjection and cell fusion may be used to modify bacteria and fungi fo
r useful purposes. The benefits expected from release of geneticaly en
gineered microorganisms, if safely applied, might be substantial in va
rious fields. However, a safe introduction of GEMs into the environmen
t requires full environmental and ecological risks assessment. Because
of the wide scope of genetic engineering targets this review will foc
us on the application of GEMs potentially useful in agricultural pract
ices (crop nutrition, pest and disease control) and ecological problem
s associated with the introduction of alien microorganisms into the en
vironment.