Despite widespread agreement in the scientific community about the safety of genetically modified foods for human consumption, we still need to carefully study their effect on the environment as demonstrated by Roundup Ready Canola. A recent article sought to report on the unintended effects of producing genetically modified canola that is tolerant to glyphosate, an herbicide popular in California because it has been shown to be safe for both animals and the environment at large. The canola has weed-like tendencies due to the ability of its seeds to remain dormant for long periods of time and then germinate years later. The researchers reported that in 2007 three varieties of glyphosate resistant canola were planted in a study field. After the plants grew they were tilled before they could produce seeds, however in 2008 scientists were surprised to find thousands of canola plants had sprouted again. These plants were then tilled down before they could produce seeds. In 2009 thousands more plants grew and again they were tilled before they could go to seed. In 2009 9,193 glyphosate resistant plants were counted growing in the field. Luckily, because canola seeds do not travel readily, few plants were observed outside the original field, however plants were observed growing along the road that lead to the field where seeds had been dropped by trucks as late as 2009. The authors concluded that if the glyphosate resistant canola is allowed to spread into orchards and fields it will make glyphosate significantly less effective and will result in increased economic and environmental costs as it becomes necessary to use additional herbicides with a higher toxicity level.
Posted on: Fri, 14 Nov 2014 05:31:51 +0000