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0.1%) is being modified in contrast to standard plant breeding in which 
50% of a gencme is modified; (4) Chemically-created INA - have already been 
tested and did not cause problems; (5) This experiment is a safe "model" 
experiment; and (6) The NIH has already approved a similar experiment. 
Dr. Pimentel said he thought the probability of environmental hazard from 
field testing these bacteria is minimal. Rather, he wished to use this 
particular proposal to help develop procedures to assess environmental 
iinpact. Dr. Pimentel said the AGS proposal describes in great detail pre- 
cautions taken in the genetic engineering and culturing of the organisms; 
in contrast, only general statements are given concerning environmental 
testing. Dr. Pimentel felt more information would be needed for a good 
sound ecological assessment, which he felt was important as HA + organisms 
play a role in natural selection by affecting the frost tolerance of plants 
and insects. He made the following observation concerning environmental 
monitoring and the AGS proposal: (1) AGS investigators mention host range 
studies, but the AGS proposal contains no data on host range; (2) AGS 
proposes to provide a ten meter barren buffer zone surrounding the test 
plot but does not mention the type of vegetation surrounding the buffer 
zone; (3) AGS states it will sample the surrounding vegetation but does 
not describe sampling procedures; (4) AGS states the test organisms will 
be sprayed during calm night time conditions but does not describe the 
spraying method; and (5) AGS does not state how the test organism will be 
monitored for wind or insect dispersal from the test plot to surrounding 
areas . 
Dr. Scandalios said Pseudomonas syringae is abundant in nature. He felt 
AGS has taken all necessary precautions, and he suggested that RAC recom- 
mend approval of the proposal with Dr. Vidaver's five stipulations. 
Dr. Sharpies said the proposed experiments are not threatening. She said 
the test organisms occur naturally in the environment. The ice nucleating 
gene is apparently present in a single copy p^er gencme in INA + organisms 
and has been deleted from the test organism. This is substantially differ- 
ent frcm adding a new gene to an organism. As there is evidence that frost 
injury predisposes and may even be necessary for pathogenicity, IIPC strains 
should be less pathogenic than INA + strains. Dr. Sharpies agreed that the 
AGS proposal did not adequately describe environmental monitoring, but she 
did not think this consideration in this instance important enough to deny 
AGS approval to proceed with the experiment. 
Dr. Gottesman suggested RAC remember the scale of the proposal; approval is 
being asked for a very limited set of field tests. Approval of these field 
tests does not extend to commercial use. She felt many of the environmental 
testing questions mentioned by Dr . Pimentel are relevant to large-scale 
com.Tsrcialization. She suggested this limited field test be permitted 
and pertinent data be collected. 
Dr. Gottesman felt it extremely important that a distinction be drawn between 
trivial and non-trivial cases. She thought RAC should develop a list of 
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