General science-technology orientation, specific benefit-risk assessment frame, and public acceptance of gene drive biotechnology.

With limited understanding of most new biotechnologies, how do citizens form their opinion and what factors influence their attitudes about these innovations? In this study, we use gene drive biotechnology in agricultural pest management as an example and theoretically propose that given low levels of knowledge and awareness, citizens' acceptance of, or opposition to, gene drive is significantly shaped by two predisposition factors: individuals' general orientation toward science and technology, and their specific benefit-risk assessment frame. Empirically, we employ data collected from a recent US nationally representative public opinion survey (N = 1220) and conduct statistical analyses to test the hypotheses derived from our theoretical expectations. Our statistical analyses, based on various model specifications and controlling for individual-level covariates and state-fixed effects, show that citizens with a more favorable general orientation toward science and technology are more likely to accept gene drive. Our data analyses also demonstrate that citizens' specific gene drive assessment frame-consisting of a potential benefit dimension and a potential risk dimension, significantly shapes their attitudes as well-specifically, people emphasizing more on the benefit dimension are more likely to accept gene drive, whereas those who place more importance on the risk dimension tend to oppose it. We discuss contributions of our study and make suggestions for future research in the conclusion.

Plant-associated fungi affect above- and belowground pest responses to soybean plants.

AIM: The objective of this research was to screen fungal isolates originally isolated from cotton plants and measure their effects on the interactions between soybean and two aboveground pests (cabbage looper; Trichoplusia ni and soybean looper; Chrysodeixis includens) as well as a belowground pest (soybean cyst nematode; Heterodera glycines). METHODS AND RESULTS: For aboveground pests, we measured the leaf area consumed and larval weight. For our belowground pest tests, we measured shoot height, shoot fresh weight, root fresh weight and number of cysts. Out of the 50 fungal isolates tested, we tested 30 fungi in the interaction with cabbage looper, 36 for soybean looper, 41 for soybean cyst nematode. We tested 23 isolates against all pests and identified multiple isolates that significantly changed the response of pests on inoculated soybean plants versus controls. CONCLUSIONS: We identified three fungal isolates that significantly reduced both leaf area consumed aboveground by caterpillars and number of cysts produced belowground by nematodes. These isolates were an Epicoccum italicum, a Chaetomium undulatum and a Stemphylium majusculum. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY: Overall, this study provides important insights into plant-fungal interactions and their effect on both above- and belowground pests. This study also highlights an important first step towards harnessing the potential of microbial inoculates as a tool for integrated pest management in soybeans.

Stakeholder Views on Engagement, Trust, Performance, and Risk Considerations About Use of Gene Drive Technology in Agricultural Pest Management.

Gene drive is an experimental technique that may make it possible to alter the genetic traits of whole populations of a species through the genetic modification of a relatively small number of individuals. This technology is sufficiently new that literature on the understanding and views of stakeholders and the public regarding the use of gene drive organisms in agricultural pest management is just beginning to emerge. Our team conducted a 2-pronged engagement process with Texas gene drive agricultural stakeholders to ascertain their values, beliefs, and preferences about the efficacy, safety, and risk management considerations of gene drive technology as a potential tool for agricultural pest management. We found that a majority of stakeholders support gene drive research and its potential use for managing agricultural pests. Our work with stakeholders confirms both their willingness to be engaged and the importance they place on stakeholder and public engagement regarding these issues, as well as the need to address these issues before use of gene drive as a pest management mechanism will be accepted and trusted.