http://www.themindfulword.org/2012/gmo-genetically-engineered-food/
This article talks about the potential dangers of super weeds and super bugs that are emerging in our croplands. With the introduction of so many pesticides in our food multiple organisms have developed a natural resistance against the GM crops. Many species of weeds have developed forms of immunity against our weed killers and organisms such as the pink bull worm have also developed a immunity to the toxins originally developed to kill such bugs. In order to combat these new super weeds and super bugs Monsanto has developed new 2,4-D resistance. Essentially these new selection of traits kill both the original species and the new super breed. However, if this is their way of combating the bugs then we pose the question; Won't the super breed evolve to develop even more resistance? Monsanto is using a "battle fire with fire" mindset and could be setting out on a very dangerous road. These plats/bugs have already started to adapt to our original modification, why won't they do the same to 2,4-D?
This connects to our class because we had a very extensive unit on GMO's and modified organisms. This is a great article because it talks about very negative effects of Genetic modification. It's scary and fascinating to learn about how these leaps in science could have potential backlashes to us personally (in our food).
How does Monsanto plan on dealing with the developing of even more resistance, have any other companies found a permanent/ long-lasting solution to this problem?
ReplyDeleteAs I stated Monsanto is "fighting fire with fire". They are developing more dangerous pesticides that then cause the bugs to become even more resistant. As you can see its a constant cycle. No company has found a way to stop the process of adaption.
DeleteWhat alternatives are there, besides GM Crops and pesticides, that would rid the area of pests without them evolving?
ReplyDeleteWell there is really no way to stop the bugs from EVOLVING. No matter what we throw at them if its intended to kill them they are gonna evolve and adapt to the situation. The only way we can really stop them from evolving is if we don't interact with them at all.
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