The adoption of novel synthetic biology tools is rapidly changing the nature of agrochemical inputs into the environment. My research group is exploring the environmental fate of agrochemicals produced by or used on recently developed genetically modified (GM) crops to understand how these new tools can be used safely and sustainably. Our efforts focus on the two most common traits applied in GM crops: pest resistance and herbicide tolerance. In our first project, we have conducted the first comprehensive assessment of the mechanisms that contribute to the environmental degradation of novel double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) biopesticides produced by pest-resistant GM crops. We have determined that, contrary to conventional expectations, dsRNA is remarkably stable against abiotic hydrolysis in the solution phase. However, other abiotic mechanisms including photodegradation and surface-catalyzed hydrolysis may occur on sufficiently rapid timescales to compete against biological degradation in some scenarios. In our second project, we have investigated the chemical interactions that control the volatilization of herbicides from recently introduced herbicide-tolerant GM crops that is associated with significant damage to surrounding non-tolerant vegetation. We have specifically determined the underlying phenomena that allow herbicide-amine salts to reduce herbicide volatilization by promoting strong intermolecular interactions including electrostatic interactions (after proton transfer from the herbicide to the amine) and hydrogen bonding between the neutral molecules. Drawing from my experience from these two projects, I will share my group’s perspectives on how environmental chemists and engineers are able to contribute to ongoing challenges to enable the safe and sustainable use of emerging synthetic biology in agriculture and other sectors.

Environmental fate of agrochemicals from emerging agricultural biotechnology

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ACS Fall 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.