Cultivation of GM crops in Europe:
Environmental compatibility research
So far, the cultivation of genetically modified crops in Europe has been
limited to maize. Beginning in 2008, such crops may include GM potatoes and
later also may include GM rapeseed and GM sugar beet. Applications for approval of the cultivation of GM varieties of these crops in the EU have been submitted. For them to be approved, it must be shown that, based on current knowledge, harmful environmental effects can be ruled out. – A large number of publicly funded research projects in Germany have looked at the issue.
Pests: Resistance to Bt plants?
Experts see it as old hat: sooner or later, pests develop resistance to the plant protection agents that are used to combat them. Fundamentally, this applies also to Bt plants and to the Bt toxin that they produce. Specific measures are used in attempts to suppress the development of resistance or to delay such development as long as possible. Can one speak of success?
Less biodiversity?
It was the largest study on the effects on biodiversity of genetically modified herbicide-tolerant plants. The semi-field trials conducted between 1999 and 2002 at 270 locations throughout the UK investigated different approaches to weed control in the cultivation of maize, sugar beet and summer and winter rape. The results are still relevant.
Horizontal gene transfer:
Do bacteria absorb plant genes?
Bacteria have the ability to exchange genetic material with other bacteria – even between species. But can they also absorb plant DNA? If so, bacteria could also use genes that have been inserted into genetically modified plants.
Pharma plants: Under lock and key
It is possible to use genetically modified plants for the production of vaccines and other pharmaceutical substances. However, the cultivation of such plants usually requires them to be completely shielded from the environment. There are various strategies for doing this: The plants can be cultivated in closed systems, but another possibility is to prevent them reproducing.
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