Advisors Back New Biotech Pesticide While Seeking Further EPA Review

EPA science advisors are generally backing EPA's plan to register a pesticide product that uses the novel technology RNA interference (RNAi) after finding the agency's review has quieted past concern about RNAi, though some advisors are calling for additional testing of potential risks, including to species that dwell in sediment and soil. The agency is currently weighing registration of Monsanto's SmartStax PRO, which combines RNAi technology with existing genetically-modified (GM) crop technology. The company says the plant incorporated protectant (PIP)...