Recombinant protein solubility—does more mean better?

Nevertheless, some areas merit further attention. A first problem is that the majority (>70%) of studies on GM rice have been conducted under laboratory conditions. These studies have limited predictive ability regarding large-scale, long-term effects in the field. For this reason, the impact of human activities and agricultural practices on GM rice performance has not been adequately incorporated into the Chinese risk assessment process. For example, although there is a considerable amount of research on natural pollen dispersal in China, under certain conditions human-mediated seed dispersal may have a stronger influence on the risks associated with gene flow 5. To address such issues, China should consider undertaking something similar to the 'farm-scale evaluations' undertaken in the United Kingdom, the results of which were published in 2003 (ref. 6). Furthermore, relatively few data have been gathered on the development of resistance by insects and pathogens to Bt rice or Xa21 rice in China. Assessment of these issues should be undertaken before commercialization of GM rice in the country. Third, socioeconomic considerations need to be considered concerning the actual and potential consequences of adoption of GM rice, such as the potential impact on farmers' incomes and welfare, cultural practices, community well-being, traditional crops and varieties, rural employment, trade and competition, ethics and religion, consumer benefits and ideas about agriculture, technology and society. Taking such considerations into account during the risk assessment process is not legally required in China. But experience has shown they are important factors in China; for example, several empirical economic studies on cotton have revealed income gains for small farmers who plant Bt cotton seeds 7. More attention needs to be paid to this issue if GM rice is to be commercialized in a sustainable manner. Fourth, China's sheer size poses a headache for compliance and risk management. Any coordinated management effort must oversee millions of farms. One report assessing the productivity and health effects of two insect-resistant transgenic rice varieties 8 highlighted the fact that farmers were cultivating GM rice without the assistance of knowledgeable technicians. This assessment method was contrary to that set down in the 2001 regulations and raises questions about implementation of regulations and whether the safeguards to prevent GM contamination are effective 9,10. Questions have also been raised about the extent that farmers are using GM rice illegally, and the significant international consequences of possible 'contamination' of the Chinese rice supply. The Ministry of …