Horizons

Researchers in the US have discovered that traits implanted in new GM hybrid crops to make them hardier and more pest-resistant…

Researchers in the US have discovered that traits implanted in new GM hybrid crops to make them hardier and more pest-resistant can be passed on to the weed population.

A team of scientists based at Ohio State University, led by Prof Allison Snow, conducted a six-year study of hybrid and wild radishes. They discovered that "gene movement from crops to their wild relatives is an ongoing process that can spur rapid evolutionary adaptation in weeds that will ultimately be harmful to crops". Traits inherited from their genetically modified cousins can persist for at least six generations, and probably longer. Weeds accidentally bred with modified genes can become more difficult to control.

"The constant gene flow between crops and weeds is a subtle process that no one may notice, but evolution can happen very quickly," Prof Snow warns. "Pollen can travel up to six kilometres and this could be a massive problem in years to come."

Aficionados of architecture won't want to miss the exhibition of winning designs in the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture, the Mies van der Rohe Award 2001. The biennial competition, funded by the EU and the Mies van der Rohe Foundation of Barcelona to recognise and commend architectural excellence, opened in Dublin yesterday.

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Ludwig Mies van der Rohe was one of the principal architects of the 20th century. He was director of the Bauhaus in Germany until its closure in 1933 and emigrated to Chicago in 1937, where he continued to design acclaimed buildings until his death in 1969.

Visitors to the show can admire Rafael Moneo's winning prize scheme and the emerging architect special mention scheme by Florian Nagler, as well as 35 exemplary works selected by the jury.

The exhibition will run until September 20th in The Atrium, 51 St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2. It is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. and at weekends from noon to 4 p.m. (01-6476128).

If you've ever wanted to know more about organic farming, you can join Norman Kenny and Deirdre O'Sullivan for a walk through their vegetable farm in Carbury, Co Kildare. Farmers interested in going organic need to attend at least three of these walks as part of the procedure to achieve organic status and get the symbol. The walk will enable aspiring organic farmers to learn about techniques and equipment, and those with an non-professional interest can find out "where their veg comes from".

Kenny and O'Sullivan also operate a "box system", whereby they deliver their fresh produce, mainly in the west Dublin area.

The walk will take place next Saturdayat 2 p.m. For more information, call 0405-53337. To find out about the box system, call 086-8319878.

For two years, Alan Warren has been working to increase public awareness of the volume of litter in Dublin. The Litter Pollution Act of 1997 is actually "quite Draconian", he says, if people understood it and learned to use it properly. He adds that citizens can and should report litter, and that the local authorities are obliged to take action regarding it - but at the moment few people make real use of the legislation. Find out more about Warren's crusade and litter legislation at www.dirtydublin.com