The benefits and implications of improving plant productivity

A promoter has to be included in the DNA inserted into the plant. There is concern that promoter's copied from viruses could recombine with existing viruses and form new virulent viruses. (3)

There was Doubts sown over safety of GM crops. Europe is again squabbling over the safety of genetically modified crops. The European Commission this week called on Austria, France, Germany, Greece and Luxembourg to lift their unilateral six-year bans on cultivating modified crops. But its failure to reach a unanimous verdict on whether to compel these countries to end their bans means the decision now passes to the European Council of Ministers, the main decision-making body in the European Union. The stand-off came in the same week as new results were announced that appear to validate claims that GM crops may be marginally less good for wildlife than conventional varieties. Last year, the huge farm-scale evaluations conducted in the UK concluded that modified oilseed rape planted in the spring and modified sugar beet are more damaging to wildlife than conventional alternatives, although GM maize is better. (5)

Existing genetically modified crops and foods pose a "very low" risk to human health and are "very unlikely" to rampage through the British countryside, concludes a major UK report. The review examined 17 areas of concern. Among the key conclusions was that:

. There have been "no verifiable untoward toxic or nutritionally deleterious effects" from the worldwide consumption of GM foods by humans and livestock over the last seven years

2. There is "no compelling evidence" for gene transfer from GM food eaten by humans to bacteria in the gut

3. Gene flow between GM plants and soil bacteria or viruses is "theoretically possible, but extremely unlikely and without precedent" (4)

Genetic modification has many advantages. Many crops can be resistant to insects and diseases. Fore example, worldwide 7 % of the annual maize harvest is destroyed by the European corn borer. If Bt maize delivers its promise, maize yields in Europe and the U.S together could increase by 7-10 million tonnes. (2)

Many people want farmers either to use fewer chemicals or chemicals which are less harmful to the environment. Much of the GM technology allows us to do this. With herbicide tolerant crops one or two applicants or glyphosate can control the weeds. However non-genetically modified crops need repeated applicants. (2)

With non-GM crops, weeds are cleared before the seeds are planted in the soil. On the other hand GM seeds are planted by placing them directly into undisturbed soil. This conserves moisture and soil plants and animals and also reduces water and wind erosion. (2)

Genetically modified food plants have already been produced which can provide food with an improved flavour and better keeping qualities which are easier to produce and which require fewer additives.(6)

Finally genetic modification could feed the world through the development of crops that will tolerate drought, saline soils and frost and thus increase food production in marginal areas.(6)

In conclusion GM crops may bring potential benefits. However there are also risks which need to be evaluated carefully. The Release of new GM crops should not be allowed unless it has been demonstrated that there are clear advantages to the environment and to society that outweigh the disadvantages. Rules should be set up to control GM developments to protect the environment and general public. For example: There should be better communication between scientist and the public. This is so that the public are aware of the dangers of genetically modified crops so they can be free to make their own decisions.

. http://www.gmissues.org/introduction/genmod.htm

2. GM crops and the environment by food future

3. http://www.jri.org.uk/brief/gmcrops.pdf#search='Genetically%20modified%20crops'

4. http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn3959 -16:01 21 July 2003 NewScientist.com news service by Shaoni Bhattacharya

5. http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=mg18424761.700 04 December 2004 by Andy Coghlan Magazine issue 2476

6. Advanced Biology for you by Gareth Williams