Genetic engineering and clematis question


A while ago I accidentally sent the following message to just Katherine
instead of the medit-group.  I'd still like to share my ideas about the
topic of genetic engineering. 

Also I'd like to ask if anyone has experience with clematis cirrhosa.  I
want to grow an evergreen vine on my south-facing trellis next to my patio
for year-round privacy.  So, any suggestions along those lines will also be
appreciated (by me).  Thanks.  Deb

Now, here's the whole old message:

>But moving specific DNA fragments from one genus to another in order to
>create entirely new features in the target plant has already been proven to
>have unexpected and dangerous results -- for example, the recent
>observation that pollen from some genetically-engineered corn (which
>contains Bt bacteria genes) kills Monarch butterfly caterpillers.  So I am
>against it.
>
>Katherine Pyle
>Berkeley, California, USA
>
>

I have to agree with Katherine. Montasano crossed the line when they
engineered plants whose seeds have "terminator genes", meaning the progeny
are always sterile (so farmers will have to buy seed from them).  The pollen
from these GE plants, when it drifts and hybridizes with other plants can
cause sterility in unintended ways.  It's stupid and dangerous, and it shows
that we no longer have any control over what the mega-industry is doing to
our food bank, not to mention the sacred life-giving earth itself. 

Deborah Ferber
Seattle, Washington, USA
zone 8b
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