Wild Charlock--Superweed, defender of small children and tea cup poodles alike

2.18.2007

According to an article from The Guardian, scientists have discovered a superweed that is impervious to weed killer. Enter wild Charlock. Apparently, scientists were doing experiments with a genetically modified oilseed rape (awkward name--bet he got picked on a lot in elementary school). The GMO plants were in the same field with wild charlock; two plants that scientist believed could not cross-pollinate. But, with a little Barry Manilow and a nice white wine, anything is possible. The resulting charlock proved exceedingly difficult to kill. As The Guardian points out, when doused with "lethal herbicide it showed no ill-effects." Scientists are still investigating the pull the plant out by the roots technique.

This development has had a major impact on the GMO debate. Causing farmers and scientists alike to question the danger of a new species which could quickly overwhelm not only their non-GMO predecessors but also any crops to which it was exposed. This will result in elimination of plant based food as we know them and a global charlock diet.

None of which is relevant to this post. Here is my rather crass reading of the story. There is this little charlock, living in a field, minding its own business. Scientists come along and try to control nature by introducing GMO plants. The charlock cross-pollinates and scientist lose that control--they have created a plant that they can't kill. It points to the illusion of power, and I find a degree of defiance in the charlock's unwillingness to die. To anthropomorphize, its a tiny plant giving the finger to those who would assume dominion over something that cannot be tamed.

To read more check out: http://www.guardian.co.uk/gmdebate/Story/0,2763,1535428,00.html


Incidentally, if you do an internet search for this story, make sure you put "superweed" as one word, or you'll just find out about some really rad marijuana.