Just a couple of days ago, Monsanto released a press statement saying that they have discovered a way to make plants and crops more resistant to various pests and diseases. Monsanto conducted this research with Harvard University and these two teams worked together on finding out new ways to protect the plants. Their research brought results regarding the pests that have managed to develop a resistance to genetically modified organisms.
The main objective of this collaboration between Monsanto and Harvard University was to find a way to improve the production of proteins in a couple of organisms which then leads to faster regeneration of the tissue and wards off pests and bugs. PACE technology was used and that is the cutting edge innovation when it comes to protein production. As a matter of fact, it is way quicker than anything we have seen so far.
PACE technology is designed to help farmers make the best of the land and the crops they have. This valuable cooperation between these two well-known institutions did create and delivered notable results. PACE helps the plants to produce more protein before the insects can become immune to the existing levels. The members of the teams are hoping that their innovation will be used in the near future by the majority of farmers who are working with GMO seeds and crops.
But what prompted this research? Well, last year Monsanto received a lot of critiques by some of the major environmentalists who accused them of not dealing properly with the superbugs who became a problem and a nuisance to a large number of farmers in the United States. The production of genetically modified corn and soya beans plummeted last year due to the pests that were attacking the crops.
Monsanto responded quickly by putting their best scientists on the project and inviting the Harvard University to help them out with their efforts. Superbugs are simply unacceptable and they had to find a way to deal with them. The production of genetically modified soy beans and corn are the foundation of GM production in the United States and the solution had to be found as soon as possible.
As you probably already know, anything related to Monsanto is a touchy subject that often comes with plenty of criticism. The protesters are usually attacking their poor labeling rules, usage of toxic chemicals for treating their products, and completely ignoring the food safety. USDA announced that they will be reducing the amount of genetically modified corn due to the fact that the majority of crops were destroyed by weeds and pests. They suggested that only licensed farmers would get an opportunity to plant this sort of corn.
However, this latest discovery might change their minds and make them rethink this suggestion because Monsanto did find the way to fight the bugs and pests more efficiently than ever before. The production of corn and soy beans will very likely continue on the same scale as before when it comes to the United States.
It is good to see that the technology related to genetically modified crops is expanding and reaching new levels. No matter how many rallies and protests we have, the production will unlikely subside in the near future. Monsanto is obviously doing their best to correct some of their mistakes and it is positive that they are involving other research teams in order to help them out. This collaboration between Monsanto and Harvard University was clearly a success and the public will be waiting for more test results and the final USDA verdict about the reduction of the planted GMO crops in the United States.