Jumping the Spray Gun

The disclosure that Advanced Genetic Sciences Inc. of Oakland tested genetically altered bacteria in the open air without seeking government approval is cause for concern even among those who believe, as we do, that the experiments pose no risk to the environment.

Since the techniques for gene splicing were developed more than a decade ago, the federal government has kept an appropriately watchful eye on the technology and has laid down guidelines for conducting this research. Though initial fears of catastrophic accidents have proved groundless, the federal Environmental Protection Agency continues to monitor the work and requires that it grant approval before any designer genes can be released into the air.

Last fall the agency told Advanced Genetic Sciences that it could test genetically altered bacteria designed to inhibit the formation of frost on plants, thereby making them more resistant to cold weather and increasing crop yields. The company plans to spray the organisms on a strawberry patch in Monterey County, but the experiment has been delayed because of community objections there.

Now it turns out that if and when the strawberry experiment takes place it will not be the first release of genetically altered organisms into the environment after all. In February, 1985, without seeking or getting anyone’s approval, Advanced Genetic Sciences injected the bacteria into fruit trees on the roof of its headquarters, making it possible for them to get into the air. The company says that it didn’t realize it had violated the rules and that it should have sought approval. Now, it says, it knows better.

Did the company really not know? Or, frustrated by regulatory delays, did it decide to go ahead anyway? To repeat, the virtually unanimous consensus of informed scientific opinion is that these experiments pose no risk to humans or to the planet. The Environmental Protection Agency should continue to approve such work. But for companies to flout the law mocks the process and invites more stringent controls.

Incidentally, the bacteria injected into the trees more than a year ago caused no harm to the environment. That should be further evidence, though none was needed, that the strawberry experiment should proceed.