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News and comment on genetically modified foods and their associated pesticides    
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INTRODUCTION TO GM

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GENE EDITING MYTHS, RISKS, & RESOURCES

Gene Editing Myths and Reality

Study questions use of Bt corn

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Published: 27 June 2001
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*Indian Farmers Vs Globalised Capital*
NGIN reports daily as Andhra Pradesh farmers put World Bank/DFID on trial. http://members.tripod.com/~ngin/indfarm.htm
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aren't US Farmers supposed to be using this stuff cos it's so damn good? seems to be no evidence it is! http://members.tripod.com/~ngin/farming.htm
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Study Questions Widespread Use of Bt Corn
by Julianne Johnston
Agweb.com
6/27/2001

A study published in the May 2001 Journal, BioScience, questions the widespread use of Bt corn, saying it has not reduced pesticide use or significantly increased yields. Instead, the scientists leading the study say, is a more encompassing approach to testing for Bt corn.  

The scientists say current regulations that allow the use of Bt corn focus too narrowly on the toxicity aspect to specific insect species. The authors, entomologists John Obrycki from Iowa State University and John Losey at Cornell University, say such regulatory testing and approval should include its effects on corn borer parasites - which also act as a control of the pest - non-target species, like Monarch butterfly larva,, pollinators and other microorganisms.  

The article, "Transgenic Insecticidal Corn: Beyond Insecticidal Toxicity  to Ecological Complexity," is a review of recent scientific studies that detail Bt corn's effects on insects and other microorganisms. It also  looks at planting rates of Bt corn, use rates of insecticides and yield studies of resultant crops from U.S. Midwest states.  

The authors say regarding pesticides, ‘Unlike the use of transgenic potatoes and cotton, the use of transgenic corn will not significantly reduce insecticide use in most of the corn growing areas of the Midwest.  Bt plantings are not being used as a replacement for insecticides, but in addition to them.’

‘We feel there is a limited role for Bt corn in relation to its use for controlling the European corn borer -- that is, use it if corn borer numbers have been consistently high,’ Obrycki added. ‘Planting it over 20 to 30 percent of the acreage in the Midwest seems to be overkill. It's not necessary relative to the value of the field corn and the importance of  the corn borer as a pest.’

‘This is a very powerful technology and may be useful for other insects, but does it really have a good role to play in the Midwestern U.S.?’ Obrycki asked. ‘From our point of view, based on the past two or three years of data, the answer would be no.’  

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