09/06/2000

Lecture on Controversial Genetically Modified Crops Planned Sept. 20

AUBURN, Ala. —Why are scientists tampering with my food?

Professor in plant molecular genetics and the Director of the Center for Plant Biotechnology Research at Tuskegee University C. S. Prakash will answer this question as the featured speaker of the E.T. York Distinguished Lecture Series. His lecture will be presented at the Auburn University Hotel and Conference Center Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 20, and is open to the public.

Prakash oversees the research on food crops of importance to developing countries and the training of scientists and students in plant biotechnology. His more recent work is aimed at enhancing societal acceptance of biotechnology in food and agriculture around the world.

Prakash's group at Tuskegee University has many "firsts" to their credit, including the development of transgenic sweetpotato plants, the identification of DNA polymorphism in peanut and the development of a genetic map of cultivated peanut. Prakash and his associates have recently enhanced the protein content of crops several-fold through genetic modification. On agbiotech issues, Prakash has lectured at dozens of institutions across the world, and has met with policy makers, media, scientists and other stake holders. His lecture is part of the Auburn University's E.T. York Distinguished Lecture Series, which is funded by an endowment established by E.T. York and his wife, Vam Cardwell York. For more information, contact Joseph Hess at (334) 844-2611.

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News from:

Office of Ag Communications & Marketing

Auburn University College of Agriculture
Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station
3 Comer Hall, Auburn University
Auburn, AL 36849
334-844-4877 (PHONE) 334-844-5892 (FAX)

Contact Jamie Creamer, 334-844-2783 or jcreamer@auburn.edu
Contact Leigh Hinton, 334-844-5887 or hintola@auburn.edu

09/06/00