Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Bt on the Chopping Block

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • Bt on the Chopping Block

    EPA Proposes Phasing Out Dozens of Bt Corn and Cotton Products

    9/29/2020 | 3:26 PM CDT

    By Emily Unglesbee

    ROCKVILLE, Md. (DTN) -- In an effort to stave off above-ground insect resistance, the EPA is proposing phasing out many current Bt corn hybrids, as well as some Bt cotton varieties, in the next three-to-five years.

    Essentially, all Bt corn hybrids and cotton varieties that don't include Syngenta's Vip3A protein, the lone Bt trait on the market without documented insect resistance, are being considered for a national phase-out.

    The proposal suggests removing many common and popular Bt-traited corn products, as well as one new rootworm trait package with a unique RNAi mode of action -- SmartStax PRO -- that hasn't yet been commercialized.

    EPA is proposing phasing out many Bt corn and cotton products in the next three-to-five years, leaving only Bt products with Vip3A on the market.


  • #2
    As Biotech Crops Lose Their Power, Scientists Push For New Restrictions

    October 29, 20205:00 AM ET
    DAN CHARLES

    Some of the most popular products of biotechnology — corn and cotton plants that have been genetically modified to fend off insects — are no longer offering the same protection from those bugs. Scientists say that the problem results from farmers overusing the crops, and are pushing for new regulations.

    These crops were the original genetically modified organisms, or GMOs. They weren't the first ones invented, but they were the first to be widely embraced by farmers, starting in the late 1990s.

    ... Now all of those benefits are increasingly at risk. Bt crops are losing their power. New strains of bollworms, rootworms, and other pests have emerged that are able to feed on Bt plants without dying.

    ...Scientists have long warned about this risk. They've been engaged in a long-running argument with the companies selling Bt crops, such as Monsanto, which has been acquired by Bayer.

    Some of the first GMOs – corn and cotton plants that have been genetically modified to fend off insects – are running into problems. Bugs have become resistant to them because they've been overused.

    Comment


    • #3
      bump this

      Comment

      Working...
      X