SAFS 405 Lecture Notes - Lecture 8: Bt Cotton, Bacillus Thuringiensis, Genetically Modified Maize
9 Dec 2017
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Document Summary
Encourages monoculture and simplistic approaches to solve problems. 1996 first transgenic crops released; gained popularity with many farmers. Ht herbicide tolerant: have generally not resulted in higher profits for farmers (except ht soybeans) Bt insect resistant: insect tolerant crops have high returned profits when insect pressure was high. Insecticide and fungicides have decreased, but herbicides have actually increased. Glyphosate production has increased and tailed off, but other more toxic ones are beginning to be used more. Insect tolerant crops: bt (bacillus thuringiensis)--> have spores with toxin crystals. Can spray it on crop or you can take the gene that makes the toxin and put it into the plant. Not permitted in organic growing but bt is a biological insecticide that many organic growers use. Bt cotton in china: reduced pesticide use. Eventual decrease in cotton prices )cheaper cotton for consumers. Negative consequence: spur the issue of bt resistant insects. 2 resistant bugs that mate, they are all resistant.
