Fate of Released Entomopathogens with Reference to Risk Assessment of Genetically Engineered Microorganisms

Abstract

Entomopathogens are likely to be among the first genetically engineered microorganisms (GEMs)released into the environment. Environmental concerns constitute a major question about such releases: GEMs might have deleterious, unexpected properties outside the laboratory; they could cause ecological disruptions; or they could transfer genetic information to other species. The probability of environmental harm is a product of six other areas of probability, including the organism's survival, multiplication, and spread. Furthermore, research of the biology and ecology of the “parental” organisms for genetic engineering is one of the few kinds of study that can be done before an actual release. Therefore, this paper reviews the persistence, dispersal, populationgrowth, and environmental effects of releases of natural strains of entomopathogenic viruses and bacteria. In some respects we have a good understanding of the ecology of these organisms, but there are also major gaps in our knowledge. At this time, it is difficult to predict population dynamics after the release of parental strains of entomopathogens much less predict the population dynamics of a GEM. Therefore, releases will have to be evaluatedon 2 case-by-case basis until we gain experience with them. In general, such releases are expected to have a low probability of environmental harm.