Genetically Engineered Coffee Plot in Latin America Destroyed

Destruction of the only experimental crop of genetically modified coffee

AFP [ 01/09/2004 20:19 ]

The only experimental culture of genetically modified coffee, planted in
Sinnamary (Guyana), was destroyed by unknown individuals, as reported
Wednesday by the CIRAD (Center for international co-operation in agronomic
research for
development).

Announcing that this destruction had been discovered Monday, the director of
the CIRAD of Guyana, Philippe Godon, specified that "1.700 plants of coffee
were destroyed on a 1,8 hectare plot".

This action was not reported until now and the organization of research had
yet reported the matter [to police] as of Wednesday.

The experimental field has been planted for four
years in the forest of the Combi Point, in Sinnamary, a commune located
about sixty kilometres from the space centre of Kourou. Until now it had not
been subject to an action of this type.

"It is a considerable loss because it was
first of its type worldwide", remarked Jacques Meunier, scientific director
of CIRAD.

This test was intended to study the resistance of the coffee genetically
modified to the "leaf miner" [Perileucoptera cofeella], a parasite which is
causing increasing damage, especially in Brazil. Also being studied were the
possible environmental impacts, such as the diffusion of pollen on long
distances, or the impact on the bees and their honey.

Guyana had been selected to undertake this experiment because of the absence
of surrounding cultures of coffee-trees.