Gentechnologie im gesellschaftlichen Spannungsfeld: Züchtung transgener Kulturpflanzen

Abstract

Transgenic crop plants are introduced into the environment at an increasing rate. To avoid undesired events we need more information on ecological risk factors like the dissemination of transgenic properties to weedy species and on the mechanisms of horizontal gene flow. We also have to assess the impact of genetic engineering on society; as an example problems with patenting procedures are discussed from different points of view. Questions concerning the risk and the impact on social and economic systems should be addressed by scientists who are aware of methodological and paradigmatic bias; truly interdisciplinary collaboration between holists and reductionists is required.