Re:We’re Scientists, Moms, And We Avoid Non-GMO Products
by Kalium on Monday November 07, 2016 @01:55PM
(#12893753)
Some GMOs result in lower use of applied pesticides. Bt corn comes to mind. Such crops reduce the risk of unpredicted side-effects from spill-over.
Re:We’re Scientists, Moms, And We Avoid Non-GMO Products
by geggam on Monday November 07, 2016 @02:29PM
(#12894134)
seems the bugs are gaining immunity... whats next ?
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/farmers-say-gmo-c...
Re:We’re Scientists, Moms, And We Avoid Non-GMO Products
by jrock08 on Monday November 07, 2016 @02:59PM
(#12894452)
This appears to be from 2014. Prior to 2014, using GMO seeds "required" farmers to plant an in-field refuge of non-resistant crops. Since farmers could, short term, get better yields if they didn't plant these refuge plants, they often chose not to. In 2014 companies started mixing in non-resistant seeds, known as "refuge in bag". It's seen some mixed results, but for the most part, it looks like it has helped.
For example, if those pesticides result in a drastic reduction of the populations of pollinating insects this may lead to ecological changes beyond the intended crops. It's not hard to imagine other things susceptible to fungicides and pesticides that might be beneficial but can get caught in the crossfire and would suffer, especially from spill-over.