What are the environmental benefits of GM crops?
One of the significant environmental benefits of GM crops is the dramatic reduction in pesticide use, with the size of the reduction varying between crops and introduced trait.
What are the benefits of genetically modified corn?
Genetic engineering provides agronomic, environmental, and toxicological benefits to the farmer, (and indirectly to the consumer through an increased supply of higher-quality, safer corn). This is a message that GMO corn growers need to share with consumers.
What are the environmental benefits of Bt corn?
After a decade of cultivation, environmental benefits are emerging. Bt corn reduces the need for pesticides, and while the primary benefit comes largely during a heavy corn-borer infestation, an unpredictable event, a secondary effect is that beneficial insects fare much better under these conditions.
Is GM corn a boon or Bane to biotech?
GM corn starch and soybean lecithin are just two of the ingredients already found in 70% of the processed food supply. With future incarnations on the horizon, GM corn remains a lightening rod for debate. Embroiled in numerous controversies, corn has become biotech's boon and bane.
How does GMO corn affect environment?
A major environmental concern associated with GM crops is their potential to create new weeds through out-crossing with wild relatives, or simply by persisting in the wild themselves. The potential for the above to happen is assessed prior to introduction, and is monitored after the crop is planted as well.
What are the environmental benefits of GM crops?
In 2016 alone, growing GMO crops helped decrease CO2 emissions equivalent to taking 16.7 million cars off the road for an entire year. GMOs also reduce the amount of pesticides that need to be sprayed, while simultaneously increasing the amount of crops available to be eaten and sold.
What are the environmental advantages of genetically modified foods?
Disease- and drought-resistant plants that require fewer environmental resources (such as water and fertilizer) Less use of pesticides. Increased supply of food with reduced cost and longer shelf life. Faster growing plants and animals.
What are the benefits of corn being genetically modified?
Because they require fewer pesticides, land and water, GMOs help keep food production costs down resulting in lower prices for consumers. GM technology helps reduce the price of crops used for food, such as corn, soybeans and sugar beets by as much as 15-30%.
Are GMOs environmentally sustainable?
GMO crops can grow with less water, energy and pesticides—all environmentally sustainable benefits.
Is GMO good or bad for the environment?
Seed and chemical companies like Monsanto claimed that genetically engineered crops would be good for the environment by reducing pesticide use and increasing crop yields, but the past 20 years have shown that they do nothing of the sort.
What is an environmental disadvantage of using GM crops?
and often lead to greater soil depletion and erosion. GM crops are often engineered to have lower genetic variability than non-GM crops, thereby making GM crop monocultures more vulnerable to mass mortality than non-GM crop monocultures exposed to disease or pest outbreaks or severe environmental changes.
How does genetic modification affect the environment?
Genetic modification produces genetically modified animals, plants and organisms. If they are introduced into the environment they can affect biodiversity. For example, existing species can be overrun by more dominant new species. These and other potential effects are considered during the licensing procedure.
What are the pros and cons of GMO corn?
The pros of GMO crops are that they may contain more nutrients, are grown with fewer pesticides, and are usually cheaper than their non-GMO counterparts. The cons of GMO foods are that they may cause allergic reactions because of their altered DNA and they may increase antibiotic resistance.
How do GMOs benefit agriculture?
GMO crops that are tolerant to herbicides help farmers control weeds without damaging the crops. When farmers use these herbicide-tolerant crops they do not need to till the soil, which they normally do to get rid of weeds. This no-till planting helps to maintain soil health and lower fuel and labor use.
What is the impact of a modified crop on non-target organisms in the environment?
whether the modified crop might persist in the environment longer than usual or invade new habitats. likelihood and consequences of a gene being transferred unintentionally from the modified crop to other species.
What is the concern over the use of Bt crops?
Development of insect resistance. Another concern over the use of Bt crops is that it will lead to the development of insect resistance to Bt. Insect resistance management plans have been developed by government, industry, and scientists to address this issue.
Why is it important to conserve forests, habitats, and biodiversity?
Thus, to conserve forests, habitats, and biodiversity, it is necessary to ensure that future food requirements come only from cropland currently in use.
What is outcrossing in agriculture?
Out-crossing is the unintentional breeding of a domestic crop with a related plant. A major environmental concern associated with GM crops is their potential to create new weeds through out-crossing with wild relatives, or simply by persisting in the wild themselves.
Does Bt cotton reduce pesticides?
The use of Bt cotton can substantially reduce the risk and incidence of pesticide poisonings to farmers. 7. Herbicide tolerant crops have facilitated the continued expansion of conservation tillage, especially no-till cultivation system, in the USA.
What are the benefits of genetically modified crops?
Another benefit with converting to genetically modified crops is the reduction of herbicide use, and use of reduced tillage.
Why are genetically modified crops used?
Genetically modified crops can be used to mitigate the negative effects that agriculture inflicts on the environment; further research, development, and expansion of genetically modified crops must continue in order to use genetic modification to its greatest potential.
What is the pesticide used in tomato fields?
There are a large number of tomato fields, that use endosulfan, a pesticide (Environmental Impacts, n.d). The runoff from these fields enter the ecosystem of the everglades. Many tiny fish and invertebrates are poisoned and die, if the runoff concentration is too high.
Why are advancements in farming necessary?
In order to feed the world, advancements in farming are necessary to increase efficiency throughout the process. With a limited amount of space for crops coinciding with environmental concerns, genetically modified organisms are our answer to higher yield demands.
What is monoculture in agriculture?
Monoculture is the cultivation of a single variety of a single species, often en masse (Pollan, 2001). The lack of genetic diversity in a monoculture decreases evolutionary development and leaves crops more susceptible to injury by pests and diseases (Pollan, 2001).
Why are resources limited in organic farming?
Resources are simply limited for organic farming. Organic farming requires more upkeep leading large producers of crops to drastically increase their prices. Instead these large producers find it easier to apply pesticides; and understandably so. Producers maximize profits due to less pest related loss.
Is corn genetically modified?
Corn is a crop plant that is commonly genetically modified and grown in large monocultures. Gassman research is strong reminder of need for comprehensive IPM. (2011). Monsanto. Retrieved from http://www.monsanto.com/newsviews/pages/gassmann-research-reminder-of-need-for-comprehensive-ipm.aspx
How does GM affect the environment?
While there are many regulations in place to prevent GM crops from harming the environment, there is still potential for this technology to have a negative impact. Research does show that GM technology has led to the creation of HT weeds and is associated with a net increase of herbicide use on some crops in some regions. 1,4 In many cases, these effects are due to human error in the application of this technology, not the technology itself. 1,4 In order to accurately determine the environmental impact of GM crops, it is important to look at the aggregate global impact. When examining the global environmental impact of GM crops, research clearly indicates that GM crops are not inherently dangerous to the environment. On a global scale, GM crops have actually had a positive impact on the environment. The widespread adoption of GM crops and the agricultural practices associated with their use have resulted in aggregate reductions in herbicide and insecticide volumes as well as an improvement in the EIQ profile of these chemicals. In addition, a reduction of fuel use associated with GM crops has led to a significant reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and a concomitant increase in soil quality. 1,2,4,5,7,8 The positive environmental impacts and increased crop yields associated with GM crops validate the use of this technology in the development of a sustainable food system.
What are the benefits of genetically modified crops?
Genetically modified (GM) crop technology was widely adopted for commercial use in 1996 and is mainly used in corn, soybean, cotton, and canola crops. In 2018, 48% of the global plantings of these four crops utilized biotechnology. 1 The main traits conferred to these crops through this technology are insect resistance (GM IR) and herbicide tolerance (GM HT). These traits help produce high crop yields and lend themselves well to the monocropping farm techniques used for these commercial crops. 2 While GM technology is less commonly used in specialty crops, it presents an opportunity to address the global food crisis if used in this manner. The current global food system is not sustainable. 1 A rapidly increasing world population, climate change, and crop pests such as insects and weeds present a significant challenge to the global food system. The field of dietetics practices at the intersection of nutrition, health, and sustainability. As such, it is critical to understand the current state of the global food system and the practices and technologies that influence it.
What is the first meta-analysis that evaluates GMO corn?
This is the first meta-analysis that evaluates GMO from an agronomic viewpoint. In their conclusion, the authors stated that 21 years of field data analysis revealed GMO corn offers farmers increased grain yields, improved grain quality, and a decrease in insect damage.
What is the best we can hope for in the GMO debate?
The best we can hope for in the GMO debate is a strong consensus of scientific opinion, based on evaluation of the many studies into the risks and benefits of GMOs. We need to consider the combined results of all scientific studies of GMOs, pro and con, rather than supporting or rejecting GMO technology based on any single study.
When did GMO crops start?
It was in 1996 that genetically modified (GMO) crops were first grown commercially, yet the debate still rages over their safety and toxicology as well as over their environmental and agronomic impact. And it doesn’t seem to matter whether you’re a supporter or an opponent, you’ve got a stack of scientific studies you can point to as proof ...
Is genetic engineering good for corn?
In this analysis of thousands of GMO corn studies, the scientific consensus is clear. Genetic engineering provides agronomic, environmental, and toxicological benefits to the farmer, (and indirectly to the consumer through an increased supply of higher-quality, safer corn). This is a message that GMO corn growers need to share with consumers.
Is maize grain carcinogenic?
Since mycotoxins are toxic and carcinogenic, the study concluded: “The lower mycotoxin content in (GMO) maize grain can help to minimize the exposure of humans to health hazardous toxins through the diet.”.
Who are the researchers of genetically engineered maize?
A team of four researchers including Elisa Pellegrino, Stefano Bedini, Marco Nuti, and Laura Ercoli of the University of Pisa in Italy have just completed a review of all peer-reviewed literature of genetically engineered (GE) maize (corn) published between 1996 and 2016. They reviewed 6,006 publications and compiled the results ...
Is anti-GMO technology being forced on farmers?
It was primarily a look at the benefits and risks this technology offers farmers. Many anti-GMO advocates have claimed this technology has been forced on farmers by industry. However, this study provides scientific evidence of the benefits this technology offers farmers.
What journal is the GM Crops report based on?
The report’s findings are based largely on scientific, economic, and environmental data published in peer-reviewed journals and the report itself will be published in two parts in the peer-reviewed journal GM Crops.
How much are genetically modified crops worth?
Global benefits for genetically modified crops have reached $150 billion since the crops were first planted, according to a report published by PG Economics LTD. The report comes on the heels of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) which also noted that genetically modified crops offered substantial economic ...
Why do farmers need to till the land?
Tilling the land requires farmers to run tractors more (and burn more fuel), damages soil and water retention and reduces soil carbon and nitrous oxide sequestration by the soil.
How many hectares of GM are there in the world?
Fifty three percent (53%) or 103.1 million hectares of the total global GM crop area of 191.7 million hectares, was in developing countries in 2018.
How much did biotech crops increase in 2016?
Farm Income#N#Biotech crops have had a positive impact on farm income worldwide due to enhanced productivity and efficiency gains. In 2016, direct global farm income benefit was $18.2 billion. Over the period of 21 years between 1996-2016, farm incomes have increased by $186.1 billion.1
Why is cotton important to India?
Cotton is a very important crop for India. However, due to the high incidence of pests, especially the cotton bollworms, India falls short of the world’s average yield of cotton by 48%, an equivalent of 280 kg/ha 2.
Why are weeds resistant to herbicides?
A related issue is the growing problem of weeds becoming resistant to herbicides, due to the overuse of those herbicides. Herbicide tolerant crops, whether GM or non-GM, can cause this problem because repeated growth of the same herbicide tolerant crop involves repeated use of the same herbicide.
Do GM crops harm the environment?
Have GM crops caused damage to the environment? Crops do not damage the environment simply because they are GM. Some farming practices, such as the overuse of herbicides resulting in the excessive eradication of wild plants from farmland have been shown to harm the environment.
Is GM cotton good for the environment?
The use of GM crops resistant to insects through introduction of the gene for Bt toxin has environmental benefits. For example GM insect resistant cotton has substantially reduced the application of more environmentally damaging insecticides, with consequent environmental benefits and health benefits for cotton farmers.
Can pesticides be sprayed onto crops?
However, just like herbicide resistant weeds, insect pests can develop resistance to insecticides whether they are produced in the crop itself by GM, or sprayed onto the crop. This problem is less frequent if a rotation of different insect control procedures is used.
Introduction
GM IR and HT Technology
GM Herbicide Resistance
GM Insecticide Resistance
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- Of great significance to the environment, changes in agricultural practices associated with GM crop use are associated with a reduction in fuel use and a concomitant decrease in greenhouse gas emissions. This impact is due primarily to a reduction in spray runs in GM IR crops and a switch from conventional tillage to reduced or no tillage farming s...
Conclusion
References