Source: Barton, Joanne, and Miles Dracup. 2000. Genetically modified crops and the environment. Agron. J. 92:797-801.

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are currently being used in a variety of crop production systems, causing a large debate over the environmental impact of their use. In general, there is public concern that extensive use of GMOs will result in (1) damage to environmental and human health, (2) life-sciences companies controlling of the food supply, and (3) reduced biodiversity. Most GMOs include traits that enhance either the value of the final product or traits that improve crop growth. Traditional crossbreeding and hybridization also incorporate similar traits in crop plants. On the positive side, there are a few environmental concerns that can be addressed with the use of GMOs. Most GMOs currently utilized in crop production possess herbicide resistance and/or pest resistance, and this may result in decreased use of agricultural chemicals. In addition, GMOs are being used to revitalize toxic waste sites, thus reducing industrial impact on the environment. However, GMOs also bring up new environmental concerns with their use. First, the cross-pollination of wild plants with GMO pollen may reduce the genetic diversity of wild plants and transfer herbicide resistance to wild plants. The passing of GMO crop traits to wild plants may disturb the balance between crops and weeds. Next, extensive use of GMOs could result in the development of insects with a tolerance to insecticides and a negative impact on non-target organisms. An example would be reducing the food supply for birds. Finally, the use of GMOs could result in an increased generation rate of new viruses unaffected by current control measures and the transfer of virus resistance to non-target organisms through cross breeding. In conclusion, there are environmental benefits and costs to the use of GMOs. For this reason, the authors believe great care is required in the development, testing, and use of genetically modified organisms for crop production to ensure the future of agriculture.

Abstract author: Kevin Barnes, 11 October 2000.

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