This thorough study is an assessment of the risks involved with the deliberate release of microorganisms modified by means of genetic engineering. Major emphasis is on European cooperative research projects such as the ones on Rhizobium and Baculovirus. Further contributions cover aspects of soil microbiology, genetic transformation in soil, molecular and plasmid genetics, horizontal spread of plasmids, as well as administrative, regulative and legal aspects in relation to possible releases.

A microbial ecologist looks once again at risk analysis

Rhizobium leguminosarum as a model for investigating gene transfer in soil
Genetic interaction of Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar viceae with Gram-negative bacteria
of Rhizobium into soils
Strategy for monitoring pea-nodulating Rhizobia without in vitro gene manipulation
Preliminary trials of field release of Azospirillum brasilense as inoculant in Northern Italy
The development and exploitation of "marker genes" suitable for risk evaluation studies on the release of genetically engineered micro-organisms in soil
Safety of Baculoviruses used as biological insecticides
An overview of insect Baculovirus ecology as a background to field release of a genetically manipulated nuclear polyhedrosis virus
Some ecological aspects of the release of nonresident micro-organisms in soil and groundwater environments
Plasmid transfer in soil and rhizosphere
Bacteria with new pathways for the degradation of pollutants and their fate in model ecosystems
Impact of mineral surfaces on gene transfer by trans-formation in natural bacterial environments
The use of IS-elements for the characterization of Gram-negative bacteria
Biological containment of bacteria and plasmids to be released in the environment
Detection of containment breach in bioprocess plant using aerobiological monitors
Studies on the fate and genetic stability of recombinant micro-organisms in model ecosystems
Genetic variation and horizontal gene transfer: prospects of research of a group installed at the "Biologische Bundesanstalt"
UK experience in regulating the release of genetically manipulated micro-organisms
Legal aspects of risks in releasing genetically engineered micro-organisms, with special emphasis on theprotection of industrial property
The approach of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in regulating certain biotechnology products.