19 
the known properties of the nonmodified organism. We anticipate that 
rronitorirg of small-scale field tests will provide data on environmental 
effects of the modified organism. Such data will be a necessary part of 
the consideration of requests for approval of large-scale tests and commer- 
cial applications." 
Dr . Pramer said this portion of the document asks whether there is reason to 
anticipate the modified organism will differ frcm the parent organism under 
environmental conditions which affect survival, establishment, reproduction, 
and survival. 
Dr. Tolin said the second paragraph of the preamble might read as follows: 
"For the following points, provide information on the nonmodified 
organism for a prediction of any change elicited by the modification: 
Dr. Pirone asked for a definition of the phrase "relevant evolutionary 
characteristics" used in the preamble of Section III. Dr. Colwell said this 
phrase referred to "shifts" in the biology of the organism, i.e. , is the 
organism evolutionarily volatile. 
The working group agreed the major topics covered by Section III would be: 
(a) habitat; (b) physical and chemical factors which can affect survival, 
reproduction, and dispersal; and (c) biological interactions. 
The working group then discussed Section III-B in greater detail. Dr. Sharpies 
asked what was intended in Section II-B-1 by the phrase "pathogen vectors in 
animals, plants, or microorganisms." Drs. Pirone and Vidaver suggested the 
Language of Section II-B-1 might better refer to "carriers of pathogens." 
Dr. Vidaver suggested Section III-B-4 should refer to biological cycling proc- 
esses rather than to biogeochemical processes. Dr. Colwell said the word 
"biogeochemical processes" has a specific connotation to an ecologist. 
Dr. Vidaver suggested the language of Section III-B-4 might be clearer to 
both ecologists and biologists if the requirement reads as follows: 
"Involvement in biogeochemical or biological cycling processes (e.g., 
mineral cycling, cellulose, and lignin degradation, nitrogen fixation)." 
Several working group members suggested pesticide degradation should be added 
to the examples of biogeochemical processes; the earliest proposals involving 
field testing of modified microorganisms may involve pesticide degradation. 
Dr. Vidaver questioned the intended meaning of the term "evolutionary shift" in 
section III-B-5. Dr. Colwell said Section III-B-5 is intended to determine 
whether the parental organism and the modified organism shift host range fre- 
quently. Dr. Arntzen pointed out that host range shift is always occurring in 
nature; he feared the working group document might be challenged on this point. 
Dr. Rissler said the working group document might be critized if it does not 
address this consideration. Dr. Pirone said certain organisms shift host 
[ 196 ] 
