Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Table 14.2: Questions to Answer when Developing a Genetic Manipulation Project if it is to be
Deployed Successfully.
Table 14.2: (Continued)
PHASE II. Developing the genetically manipulated strain and evaluating it in the laboratory
l
Where will you get your gene(s)?
−
Should the transgene(s) sequence be modified to optimize expression in the target species if it is from
a species with a different codon bias?
l
Is it important to obtain a high level of expression in particular tissues or life stages?
−
Where can you get the appropriate regulatory sequences?
l
How can you maintain or restore genetic variability in your genetically modified arthropod?
−
Because paratransgenic or transgenic methods typically involve substantial inbreeding to obtain pure
lines, can you outcross the manipulated strain with a field population to improve its adaptation to the
field or otherwise increase genetic variability?
l
What methods can you use to evaluate “fitness” in artificial laboratory conditions that will best predict
effectiveness in the field?
−
Have life-table analyses and laboratory studies of the stability of the trait under no selection been
correlated with efficacy in the field?
−
Is it possible to carry out competitive population cage studies?
l
Do you have adequate containment methods to prevent premature release of the genetically modified
strain into the environment?
−
Have these containment methods been reviewed by appropriate regulatory authorities?
l
Do you have adequate rearing methods developed for carrying out field tests?
−
Are artificial diets available to reduce rearing costs?
−
Are quality control methods available to maintain quality during mass rearing?
l
What release rate will be required to obtain the goals you have set?
−
Do you have an estimate of the absolute population density of the target species in your field test?
−
What release model are you applying: inundative, inoculative, introgression, complete population
replacement?
l
Have you tested for mating biases, partial reproductive incompatibilities or other population genetic
problems if interbreeding will be required?
l
Have you obtained approval from the appropriate regulatory authorities to release the genetically
modified strain into the greenhouse or small plot?
−
Can you contain it in the release site?
−
Can you retrieve it from the release site at the end of the experiment?
−
Can you mitigate if unexpected problems arise?
l
How will you measure effectiveness of the modified strain in the field trials?
PHASE III. Field evaluation and eventual deployment in practical pest management project
l
If the small-scale field trial results obtained in phase II were promising, questions remain to be asked
before the deployment of the manipulated strain.
−
Are mass-rearing methods adequate?
−
Is the quality-control program in place?
−
Is the release model feasible?
−
Were there unexpected reproductive incompatibilities between the released and wild populations?
l
If permanent releases are planned, have the risk issues been evaluated? Are there possible methods of
mitigation if something goes wrong?
l
How will the program be evaluated for effectiveness?
l
Will the program be implemented by the public or private sector?
l
What will the program cost and what are the benefits?
l
What inputs will be required to maintain the effectiveness of the program over time?
Modified from Hoy (2000a).
