New research shows GM crops are sustainable
The Truth About Trade Technology
Robert Pore
June 13, 2007
Excerpt…
Nebraska is one of the nation's leading states using genetically modified (GM) crops. Now new research has found that GM crops may contribute to increased productivity in sustainable agriculture.
Last year, Nebraska farmers planted more than 10 million acres of GM corn and soybeans.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 90 percent of the state's 4.6 million acres of soybeans was GM varieties and 76 percent of Nebraska's 8.4 million acres of corn planted was GM varieties.
The study, conducted by scientists at the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) at the University of California, Santa Barbara, along with The Nature Conservancy and Santa Clara University, analyzed for the first time environmental impact data from field experiments all over the world, involving corn and cotton plants with a Bt gene inserted for its insecticidal properties.
What makes this research different is that it looks at effects genetically modified plants have on other nonmodified species.
This could help answer concerns about biotechnology and genetic engineering involving human health and biodiversity.
According to analysis of 42 field experiments, scientists found that GM varieties that produce an insecticide internally provide an environmental benefit because large-scale insecticide spraying can be avoided.
The research also found that organisms such as ladybird beetles, earthworms and bees in locales with Bt crops fared better in field trials than those within locales treated with chemical insecticides.
"This is a groundbreaking study and the first of its kind to evaluate the current science surrounding genetically modified crops," said Peter Kareiva, chief scientist of The Nature Conservancy. "The results are significant for how we think about technology and the future of sustainable agriculture."
One of the questions that the research sought to answer was how Bt crops impact beneficial insects and worms.
According to the lead author, Michele Marvier of Santa Clara University, the answer is that it depends to a large degree upon the type of comparison one makes.
"When Bt crops are compared to crops sprayed with insecticides, the Bt crops come out looking quite good," Marvier said. "But when Bt crops are compared to crops without insecticides, there are reductions of certain animal groups that warrant further investigation."
Marvier said the advantages or disadvantages of GM crops depend on the specific goals and vision for agroecosystems….
Full article at The Truth About Trade Technology.
