Post by Indilwen on Jul 27, 2012 12:27:17 GMT 12
GMO's and Loss of Food Plants' Adapability
As scientists isolate and then 'splice' genes for pest resistance into food plants from wild relatives, an unexpected error occurs.
Wild plants resist insect pests through several natural defense mechanisms acting in cooperation. When these defensive genes are spliced into plants one-at-a-time, the synergistic effect of several genetic defenses working together is lost.
Pests are often able to overcome the defenses of the individual genes in under a decade—after which those genes become useless for further protection.
As scientists isolate and then 'splice' genes for pest resistance into food plants from wild relatives, an unexpected error occurs.
Wild plants resist insect pests through several natural defense mechanisms acting in cooperation. When these defensive genes are spliced into plants one-at-a-time, the synergistic effect of several genetic defenses working together is lost.
Pests are often able to overcome the defenses of the individual genes in under a decade—after which those genes become useless for further protection.