Genetically Modified Crops

Genetically Modified Crops For years farmers have fought pest, weeds, and diseases to grow crops. There have been many pesticides and herbicides used to help with these problems, only to find out later that they are damaging our environment and a health hazard to animals and humans. They are constantly searching for new ways to improve farming. Genetically engineered crops began in 1996 (Charmin 74-83). Genetically engineered crops appear to have minimal effects on the environment and humans, they produce larger yields of crops, and they could be the answer to world hunger.

Cambridge: UCS Publications, 2004. Web. 7 May 2014 Woolsey, GL. "GMO Timeline: A History of Genetically Modified Foods." Rosebud Magazine Hydroponics Lifestyle Growing And Entertainment!

The apprehension towards pesticides encouraged companies like Monsanto to change their directions of research from herbicides to genetics. Within a few decades (GM) crops were present in multiple countries like China and the U.S. A common (GM) crop, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) corn, became widely used and at first it did not seem to cause any substantial problems. However, when a study was conducted on (Bt) corn’s ... ... middle of paper ... ...lso argue that farmers are losing their crops due to the use of (GM) crops and that there will be a peak usage of herbicides. On the other hand, advocates stress the point that (GM) crops are beneficial to the betterment of mankind. They argue that scientists are already in the process of creating alternative herbicide usage for farmers.

Whitman, Deborah. "Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful?". Cambridge Scientific Abstracts. Available online at http://www.csa.com/hottopics/gmfood/overview.html. Accessed November 9, 2003.

Traditional breeding included different processes, such as sowing seeds from the resilient plants in order to produce a new generation. Farmers would grow plants with higher yield and resistance to pests, naturally alternating the genetic makeup of plants. Consequently, a vast majority of plants today bare resemblances of their lineage (Biotechnology Industry Organization 2010). Plant biotechnology allows breeders to sel... ... middle of paper ... ...s.html (accessed April 14th, 2011). North Carolina Association for Biomedical Research.

Genetically Modified Foods. November 25, 2000. 10 November 2000. http://www.csa.com/hottopics/gmfood/oview.html. Kimbrell, Andrew. "Seeds of Conflict."

Genetically modified crops should be used in moderation, because they can have very negative effects on the population. There are several different ways that this trend of new and improved gene pools got their bearings but the most common theory is that “the 1980’s marked the scientific discovery that specific pieces of DNA could be transferred from one organism to another” (History of Genetically Modified Foods). This shows that the research started very long ago, and they have had a copious amount of time to perfect what they are putting into our food. “While the potential of GM crops is great, the laundry list of unknowns is troubling to many who want the process sidelined until the safety of GMOs can be concluded through research and studies. In terms of controversies, one of the greatest concerns is the long-term health affects that genetically modified foods will have on human health” (History of Genetically Modified Foods).

Moon Wanki, and Balasubramanian Siva. “Public Attitudes toward Agro-biotechnology: The Mediating Role of Risk Perceptions on the Impact of Trust, Awareness, and Outrage.” Review of Agricultural Economics 26.2(2004): 186-208. Qaim Martin and Kouser Shahzad. “Genetically modified crops and food security.” PLoS ONE 8.6(2013): e64879

Also, there are many ethical issues to consider including the development of terminator technology-a gene inserted into seeds that causes the next generation of seeds to be sterile. Benefits One example of a genetically modified seed that is commonly used today is Bt Corn. The Bt gene that is used comes from bacteria-Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt.). It has been used in sprays and powder form for years. Recently, this ... ... middle of paper ... ...pany Letter.

ARGUMENT FOR THE STATEMENT. The genetic integrity of crops has been altered by farmers in an effort to improve efficiency for over 10 000 years. They can be seen as pioneer genetic engineers, altering plants by crossbreeding them with others using the knowledge of inheritance of traits. Long before GE was thrust into the limelight, selective breeding assumed scientific status, allowing very direct control over crop evolution for the benefit of society. Plant breeding was confined to making crosses within and between crop species which occur naturally, and nature itself evolved.