Peter wrote:

>> I'm not sure I understand you correctly, but it seems you agree with me
>> that with those numbers, it is pretty certain that those uncontrolled
>> crossover effects will happen.
> 
> Most GM and other 'supplied' seed plants are incapable of reproduction 
> in the 2nd generation (the one that ends up on the fields). This is also 
> true for most non-GM plant seeds supplied to farmers. The producers 
> would not want the farmers to set up their own seed factory after buying 
> once ...

You noticed how often you used "most", right? :)

> So the problem is reduced to cross polination. Wheat is said to cross 
> polinate up to 5%. Whith what ? With wild wheat for example, or another 
> sufficiently related species (which is very likely to try to live where 
> the GM wheat lives). Wild wheat would not be incapable of reproduction, 
> so you may end up with some particularly hardy wild wheat (that nobody 
> wants). This is just an example, and maybe not a good one.

Or something else. The thing is the chances that something really bad 
happens are really low, but multiplied with the exposure, it is virtually 
certain to happen. And believe me, the only thing certain is Murphy -- and 
it's not restricted to electronics or programming :)

Gerhard

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