TRANSGENICS IN BIOCONTROL

Issues pertaining to the use of genetic engineering in biocontrol research and the application of transgenic biological disease control (biocontrol) products were developed from two types of sources: popular press and technical/regulatory. Specific issues were identified through content analysis of a comprehensive source database (covering 1990-1995) obtained from a keyword search of electronic indices. Each source was classified by the subjects covered, the type of source, positions represented, and opinion valence (positive, negative, or neutral). A frequency index (based on Chi-square and Tukey's w test) was used to compare content analysis results and develop rankings as a measure of the relative importance of each issue. Twenty-seven issues were developed under the categories of transgenic microbes (9), transgenic plants (8), and societal concerns (10). Differences between sources only occurred with two issues, commercial development and environmental release of transgenic microbes. Issue positions from all sources were usually positive and were represented mainly by university, industry, and regulatory sources. Five issues were identified as being problematic and involving substantial potential risk: herbicide resistance, pest resistance, weediness and gene transfer, environmental concerns, and impact on agriculture and farming. These five issues represent the best candidates for developing educational materials directed at improving public understanding of biocontrol.