01-04-2016, 07:45 AM
HAS ANY ONE HEARD OF CYTOPLASMIC MALE STERILITY? An example of this technology is the 1996 patent for making chicory hybrids with cellular mitochondria from sunflowers. In this example a cell from endive and one from sunflower are selectively irradiated to destroy the nucleus of one and the cytoplasm of the other. Their cell walls are dissolved and the cells are merged into a single cell, which is then grown in a lab into a plant which cannot produce pollen. It can then only receive pollen from the selected parent variety. [i]This technology meets the definition of genetic engineering under international organic standards[/i]. However, [it is not considered GMO in the United States[]. To date, this procedure is unregulated, and does not disqualify a seed from organic certification. The only way to avoid cell fusion CMS at present is to stay away from hybrids entirely or to research each variety.