Modifying mites 'not the answer'

Genetically engineering varroa mites to self destruct is no solution for New Zealand beekeepers, says the Soil and Health Association.
"Any future for New Zealand does not include genetically engineered mites being carried around New Zealand on the back of honeybees," said Soil & Health - Organic spokesman Steffan Browning.
"News that Aberdeen University's Dr Alan Bowman has announced a potential mechanism for the inoculation of mites, in a way that silences a gene in the mite, damaging its immune system, is being overstated," Mr Browning said.
"The research is in its infancy and potential hazards appear not to have been considered at all.
"Aberdeen University's research needs to be seen in a broader ecological context of risk and actual potential success. Certainty would be needed that tampering with the DNA of the mite would not sport a mite or virus that is worse than the existing varroa, or have other unintended effects on bees, or affect mites naturally part of an indigenous ecosystem.
"A more useful curative to varroa than what is currently available would save considerable angst and cost to New Zealand beekeepers, and more benign alternatives than genetic engineering are being researched continuously which would not impact on New Zealand's largely GM-free status. Pest control in New Zealand using genetic engineering is no more acceptable than growing GM food, forages or forests would be to Aotearoa New Zealand's clean green 100 per cent Pure trading and tourism brand.
"GM pest control research should always include scientists who are independently capable of imaging the very real risks that go hand in glove with such technology. Too often, research such as from Aberdeen claims potential solutions as part of touting for further research dollars, while ignoring the ecological risks."
Soil & Health - Organic NZ wishes for research spending be directed to a GM free and organic varroa solution.
To find out more about the Aberdeen research visit www.abdn.ac.uk/news/details-9669.php