In a development of major importance for the future of the biobased economy, plant biologists at the University of Connecticut have created a tool that may help alleviate public concerns surrounding genetically-modified plants. Controlling the flow of transgenic genes into the wild via pollen and seeds has been a huge concern to the public and a major challenge for scientists specializing in agricultural biotechnology.


The tool, called a “GM-gene-deletor,” could prevent genetically-modified gene flow into non-biotech crops or weeds. The invention may be particularly useful to confine genetically altered genes used in vegetatively propagated, undomesticated bioenergy crops, such as switchgrass, sugarcane, tropical grass species and energy trees such as poplar, willow, acacia or eucalyptus.