jeffreyp

I don't think that fits into what most would consider GMO (using radiation or other induced mutations). I don't think you would get the same hysteria in Europe from introducing food crops that are mutations vs one's that have new genes introduced or existing ones removed(gmo)

From wikipedia "A genetically modified organism (GMO) or genetically engineered organism (GEO) is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. These techniques, generally known as recombinant DNA technology, use DNA molecules from different sources, which are combined into one molecule to create a new set of genes. This DNA is then transferred into an organism, giving it modified or novel genes. Transgenic organisms, a subset of GMOs, are organisms which have inserted DNA that originated in a different species. Some GMOs contain no DNA from other species and are therefore not transgenic but cisgenic."

or another definition found here: "Genetically modified organism (GMO): An organism into which has been inserted—through genetic engineering—one or more genes from an outside source (either from the same species or from an entirely different species) that contains coding for desired characteristics, such as herbicide resistance or an antibacterial compound." Glossary

Richard

A large portion of Wikipedia is written by high school students. If you'd like, I can go update that definition.

__________________
Back in business at plantsthatproduce.com

jeffreyp

Richard I think you are missing the point, gmo is generally considered plants or animals that have been modified by having genes added or removed. If radiation is what defines gmo then everything is gmo because plants and seeds are exposed to solar radiation everyday. Breeders have a 8000 year history of genetic modification (also called genetic improvement or conventional breeding)- that is, they have modified the genome of crop species in a number of ways. Such conventional breeding methods include hybridization (transfer of pollen from one plant variety to another to generate new seed with genes from both parents), mutagenesis (in which chemicals or irradiation are used to induce random mutations in DNA) and embryo rescue (where plant or animal embryos produced from interspecies gene transfer are placed in a tissue culture environment to complete development). Today, everything we eat has been genetically modified in some way. The popular and pejorative definition of gmo are plants modified with genetic engineering.

If wiki is too tricky for you then take your pick:

define:GMO - Google Search