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Genetically modified microbial symbionts as arthropod pest controllers: risk assessment through the European legislations
Author(s) -
Aguilera J.,
Gomes A. R.,
Nielsen K. M.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
journal of applied entomology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.795
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1439-0418
pISSN - 0931-2048
DOI - 10.1111/j.1439-0418.2011.01618.x
Subject(s) - biology , genetically modified organism , risk assessment , european union , pest analysis , microbiology and biotechnology , pest control , biosecurity , pesticide , ecology , environmental planning , risk analysis (engineering) , business , genetics , botany , computer science , computer security , gene , environmental science , economic policy
The genetic modification and applied use of microbial symbionts have been identified as novel tools to protect beneficial insects such as pollinators or parasitoids or to fight insects that constitute pests or are vectors of infectious diseases. The deliberate release of insect pest or disease vector control products containing genetically modified micro‐organisms (GMMs) can raise questions about health and environmental safety. Different national and international authorities have established legal requirements to ensure the safe use of conventional pesticides and insecticides as well as GMMs. A key requirement is to conduct a scientific risk assessment to determine whether the product is safe to be placed in the market. In this study, we address the legal framework, the regulatory requirements, and the criteria for the environmental risk assessment of GM symbionts that currently apply within the European Union.