Little news about genetic engineering work with phytopathogenic organisms

Unlike viruses, bacteria or fungi with a known or suspected Hazard potential for people or animals phytopathogenic organisms relatively rarely assessed in the ZKBS statements. The currently valid general ZKBS statement on the classification of phytopathogens as donor or recipient organisms for genetic engineering work actually dates back to 2007. The risk assessment criteria contained therein should be recalled here. According to the ZKBS statement, the allocation of phytopathogenic organisms to risk groups is based on their additional potential human or animal pathogenicity (only for phytopathogenic bacteria and fungi), on the degree of their regional distribution , on the degree of regional distribution of their host plants and on the regional distribution of their necessary vectors for the infection of plants (in the case of phytopathogenic viruses).

Humans and animals ingest a large number of plant viruses through food. Damage to the health of humans and animals caused by plant viruses is not known to date. However, the ZKBS classifies phytopathogenic viruses as Risk group 2 one if

• the plant virus is not widespread in Germany or directly bordering countries, and
• however, its host plants and any vectors necessary for virus transmission are widespread in these countries or
• There is not enough information about the biology of the virus to make a safety assessment.

Currently, no plant viruses are known that would have to be classified in a risk group higher than 2.

Phytopathogenic bacteria and fungi classifies the ZKBS in risk group 2 if

• they are proven to be pathogenic to humans or animals or
• these themselves, but their host plants, are not widespread in Germany or directly bordering countries or
• There is not enough information about their biology to classify them as safe.

If there is a particular risk potential for humans, animals or the environment, it may be necessary to classify phytopathogenic fungi or bacteria in risk group 3.

Taking into account the risk group classification, appropriate measures must be taken to prevent the unintentional release of genetically modified, phytopathogenic organisms into an environment where they do not naturally occur, which could cause harm to humans, animals, plants, and the environment. Regarding the general handling of phytopathogenic organisms, the ZKBS also points out in its statement that the provisions of the Plant Protection Act and its subordinate regulations must be observed.

The complete ZKBS statement can be found at File number 6790-10-53 can be retrieved.