Auckland University is aiming to genetically engineer a
bacterium which has been exploited as a "bio-pesticide".
The university's in-house biological safety committee has
approved the development of genetically engineered forms of
the bacteria for research into how they kill insects, the
Environmental Risk Management Authority (Erma) said today.
The unusual insecticidal bacteria - known scientifically as
Yersinia entomophaga - was discovered in a dead grass grub 14
years ago, and has since been shown to be able to kill
butterflies and beetles two or three days after they have
been infected.
AgResearch scientists who discovered the bacteria in 1996
have been working for some time to understand how they are
able to overcome the defence systems of a wide range of
insects, including beetles, grass grub, moths and
caterpillars - the major destroyers of agricultural and
horticultural crops around the world.
The state science company has envisaged the bacteria's potent
insecticidal toxins offering an excellent "clean and green"
pest control - perhaps delivered with seed when it is
planted, or through bait which would attract only targeted
species. Safety testing has identified no effect on bees.
AgResearch took out patents linked to the bacteria and in
2003 set up a joint venture, Encoate, with a local fertiliser
company which developed the insecticide SpK.
Bookmark/Search this post with:
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.