The pros and cons of GM crops

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer A. Thomson
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Genetically Modified ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Gm Crops ◽  
Foreseeable Future ◽  
Main Ingredient ◽  
The World ◽  
Herbicide Tolerant ◽  
Pros And Cons ◽  
Insect Resistant

The year 2015 marked the 20th year of the commercialisation of genetically modified (GM) crops. During the period from 1996 to 2014, the global hectarage of these crops increased 100-fold, making it the fastest adopted crop technology in recent times. The overall economic gains from these crops have been estimated to be USD133.4 billion over the period from 1996 to 2013, and have been divided roughly 50% each to farmers in developed and developing countries. The environmental benefits include contributing to the practice of minimal till agriculture and a decrease in the use of pesticides. But what are the downsides of this technology? In this review I look at some of the problems related to weeds becoming resistant to glyphosate (the main ingredient that is used on herbicide tolerant crops), how these can be overcome and whether glyphosate can cause cancer. I also discuss the problem of insects becoming resistant to the toxins that are used in insect resistant crops and how these are being addressed. I look at what scientists around the world are saying on this topic and then consider GM crops that are in the pipeline of benefit to developing countries and whether any of these are likely to be commercialised in the foreseeable future.

Insect-Resistant Genetically Modified Crops: Regulation Framework and Current Situation in Argentina

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-23
Author(s):  
Marina Mühl
Keyword(s):  
Insect Resistance ◽  
Agricultural Production ◽  
Genetically Modified ◽  
Genetically Modified Crops ◽  
Current Situation ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Gm Crops ◽  
The World ◽  
Biotech Crops ◽  
Insect Resistant

Worldwide, there are many Insect-Resistant Genetically Modified Crops (IR-GMCs) planted with the purpose of controlling their many insect pests. All genetically modified (GM) plants have to pass through a regulatory system before being commercialized. In the case of Argentina, specific information is requested for these particular GM crops. This review will cover all the data required of IR-GMCs in Argentina in relation to insect resistance to the insecticidal products expressed (the most common in Argentina: Bt proteins) as well as the current situation of Bt crops in Argentina. From earliest times, man has used living organisms and their products in order to produce goods and services to meet their basic needs. For instance, man has modified, first unconsciously and then intentionally, the genome of many commodities so as to obtain improved cultivars. Taking the example of maize, its ancestor, the teocintle, is different in appearance (compared to the maize we consume nowadays). The selection process, which has taken place over many years, introduced improvement in many phenotypic characteristics such as the size of the grain. This example illustrates what is considered "Traditional Agrobiotechnology" or 'Traditional Plant Breeding'. The advent of Genetic Engineering and Molecular Biology in the second half of the 20th century has opened the door to "Modern Agrobiotechnology". The increase of agricultural production worldwide is demanded by a constantly increasing global population. As result of this, man has taken advantage of this valued tool so as to produce more in the same amount of land in a sustainable and cost-effective way. Thus different kinds of crops have been genetically engineered around the world with beneficial traits like insect resistance, herbicide tolerance and nutritional improvement. Worldwide, insects are a major cause of crop damage and yield loss, often requiring farmers to make multiple applications of chemical insecticides to control pests. For that reason, the commercial release of IR-GMCs also called Insect-resistant biotech crops has been an important contribution from Modern Agrobiotechnology to increase the global agricultural production. By the end of 2016, the cultivated area under GM crops reached 185.1 million hectares. 53% of that area was planted with IR-GMCs (single and stacked events with tolerance to herbicides). The commercialized genetically engineering crops that have protection against insect damage around the world are cotton, maize, soybean, potato, rice, tomato, eggplant and poplar. Insect-resistant biotech crops provide a number of benefits, such as a reduction in the use of chemical insecticides, improvement in yield, quality and lower production costs compared to the conventional crops.

scholarly journals GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS IN NIGERIA: A long-lasting solution to hunger?

2007 ◽  
Vol 29 (67) ◽  
Author(s):  
Subulade A. Olaniyan ◽  
Adekunle A. Bakare ◽  
Olajumoke A. Morenikeji
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Western Europe ◽  
Genetically Modified ◽  
The United States ◽  
Gm Crops ◽  
United States Government ◽  
Genetically Modified Food ◽  
Genetically Modified Foods ◽  
The World

The application of biotechnology in the genetic modification of plants in food production has ledto the appearance of genetically modified foods (GMFs) in the marketplace. From inception, thesubject of GMFs food has been controversial. The use of biotechnology to enhance nutritionalvalue has raised a number of fundamental questions about genetically modified foods or plants allover the world. In spite of these controversies, GMF has been presented as the ultimate weaponagainst hunger in Africa, and other developing countries. While the world debates on whether ornot to endorse genetically modified food in most of Western Europe and give it the acceptance italready enjoys in the United States, we are totally oblivious of the fact that genetically modifiedfood has crept into Nigeria. Nigeria has been a recipient of food aid from countries like theUnited States, that are renowned for producing genetically modified foods. In 2004, Nigeria signeda Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United States government agreeing to supportGM crops. Are GMFs really a good substitute for the natural and traditional foods? Are thebenefits of GM crops as strong as claimed by pro-biotech interests? If GM crops are safe,economically profitable, and environmentally friendly, why then has there been so much opposition,concern and controversy in recent years? If the scenario is so good, if so many millions of farmersand consumers are benefiting, if the increase in GM crops is so impressive, and if poverty,malnutrition and hunger have been alleviated in developing countries, why then have somegovernments imposed bans and why are consumers opposing those products in many places aroundthe world? Is there any substance in these arguments against GMFs? This paper discusses theseissues using Nigeria as a case study. We concluded that GMFs may not be the ultimate solution tohunger and poverty in a developing country like Nigeria.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document