Genetic engineering of bacteria from managed and natural habitats.

The genetic modification of bacteria from natural and managed habitats will impact on the management of agricultural and environmental settings. Potential applications include crop production and protection, degradation or sequestration of environmental pollutants, extraction of metals from ores, industrial fermentations, and productions of enzymes, diagnostics, and chemicals. Applications of this technology will ultimately include the release of beneficial agents in the environment. If safely deployed, genetically modified bacteria should be able to provide significant benefits in the management of environmental systems and in the development of new environmental control processes.