Sunday, July 28, 2013
Vitamin G(ene)
On July 28, 2013, the New York Times published a fascinating article, entitled "A Race to Save the Orange by Altering Its DNA," covering the biggest dilemma currently faced by orange growers: whether or not opt for genetic engineering to save commercial orange trees from "citrus greening." The spread of eubacterium Candidatus liberibacter asiaticus has cast a dark shadow over the large orange growing and processing industry. Market penetration of genetically-modified ("GM") food has grown rapidly around the world. Although Europe has been a laggard, consumers in the United States have been relatively enthusiastic - or, at least, agnostic - about GM food. The orange industry may be embracing GM oranges as its salvation. How long will it be before parents are worrying about their children eating enough "Vitamin G(ene)"?