BioMatNet Item: QLK3-2000-01759 - Ecological and environmental biosafety assessment of novel plant and microbial biotechnology products (ECO-SAFE)

[BioMatNet Database - FP5 Quality of Life Programme]

QLK3-2000-01759
Ecological and environmental biosafety assessment of novel plant and microbial biotechnology products (ECO-SAFE)

Contacts

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Biotechnology : Integrated Crop Protection & Biological Control : Quality of Life - 3. The Cell Factory

Contract No:	QLK3-2000-01759
Project Type:	RS (Research and Technological Development Project)
Start Date:	01-01-2001
Duration:	36 months
Total Cost:
EC Contribution:	2 096 947 EUR
Scientific Officer:

Abstract

Innovative biotechnology products on novel crops and bioinoculants offer an alternative to current agricultural practices that are damaging to the environment, and so have the potential to contribute to sustainability within the agri-food sector. Despite the benefits, public acceptance of GMOs is problematic.

Consequently the objectives of this Cluster Project are:

To develop, test and assess the ecological impact of bioinoculants to replace the inputs of agri-chemicals that are deleterious to the environment.
To assess the role of microbial signal molecules produced by bacteria and GM plants on ecodynamics and biodiversity in the rhizosphere.

These objectives will be achieved by an integrated multidisciplinary cluster project including industrial partners. This cluster project will provide new scientific information to address current public concerns on GMOs and help improve the use and perception of plant-microbial biotechnology for the benefit of Europe.

Objectives

In Europe, publicly held environmental concerns not only drive the use of biotechnology but also set the agenda for the safety assessment of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Innovations in biotechnology with genetically modified plants and micro-organisms will be used to improve agricultural practices based on environmentally friendly sustainable methods. Despite obvious benefits, however, public acceptance of GMOs in the agri-food sector is problematic, with particular concerns expresssed on human health and environment impacts.

Consequently, the main objectives of this Cluster Project are:

To develop, test and assess the ecological impact of bioinoculants to replace the inputs of agri-chemicals that are deleterious to the environment.
To understand microbial signalling in the rhizosphere.
To assess the ecological impact of GM plants that produce rhizosphere-signalling molecules.

Description of the work

This Cluster Project constitutes two separate but closely integrated tasks represented as Component Projects (CPs).

CP1 Ecological impact of biological phytostimulators to reduce pollution-causing nitrogen fertilisers and improve crop health. The bacterium, Azospirillum, is known to have phytostimulatory properties but little is known about field-efficacy or environmental impact of Azospirillum bioinoculants. This component project entails construction of strains that produce phytohormones and field trial assessment of wild-type and GM phytohormore-producing strains for ecological impact and efficacy. Improved formulations and delivery systems for application will also be developed.

CP2 Effects of signalling in the rhizosphere on ecodynamics and biodiversity. The role of microbial signal molecules (e.g. AHLs) in the rhizosphere will be explored to gain an understanding of microbial communication. This includes both investigation of the genetics of signal production, and examination of the biological roles of such signals. In particular, the effects that such signalling has on saprotrophic and pathogenic micro-organisms will be investigated. In addition, both microbes and plants that produce AHLs will be made and the impact of these GM organisms on rhizosphere ecodynamics and biodiversity will be assessed.

This Cluster Project will provide the necessary scientific information required to address key environmentally relevant issues currently being debated in Europe.

Deliverables

Ecological impact assessments of novel microbial inoculants for environmentally friendly quality food production.
Data on ecological and environmental impact of novel GM plants.
Biosafety information on genes and functions involdved in rhizosphere competence and signaling.
New methodologies for assessment of the impact of GM plants and inoculants on microbial biodiversity, required under EU Directives 90/220/EEC and 91/414/EEC (new annex).

Contacts

Coordinator

Fergal P O'GARA / National University of Ireland BIOMERIT Research Centre / IRELAND

Participant