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Answers

Question

Isnt it possible that the GMOs may be attacked by the new and modified types of pathogens? say bacteria.

Submitted by: mezereon


Answer

Expert response from Community Manager

Wednesday, 01/10/2014 17:50

Seed producers are very interested in the potential susceptibility of both genetically modified (GM) and non-GM crop varieties to either existing or invasive pathogens. Such pathogens could be harmful to the crops our farmer customers grow and present a negative impact to the environment or ecosystem.

 

The development of any new crop varieties — GM or non-GM — involves comparing a number of factors, such as agronomic performance, yield, resistance to pests, etc., for the new variety. Researchers take very seriously all of these potential factors, including potential susceptibility to pathogens, when making decisions about which new varieties to move ahead with.

 

Part of the development of a GM crop variety is to test its susceptibility to a variety of pathogens and other environmental stressors. This testing is done first in the laboratory, then in a greenhouse and finally in a large number of field trials — all under strict protocols and monitoring. If a GM crop variety were found to have significantly increased susceptibility to pathogens, as compared with already commercialized GM and/or non-GM crop varieties, then commercial development for that variety would end.

 

For more information on the research and development process for bringing new biotech crops to the market, check out this study, which looks at the cost and steps involved.

Answer

Expert response from Community Manager

Wednesday, 01/10/2014 17:50

Seed producers are very interested in the potential susceptibility of both genetically modified (GM) and non-GM crop varieties to either existing or invasive pathogens. Such pathogens could be harmful to the crops our farmer customers grow and present a negative impact to the environment or ecosystem.

 

The development of any new crop varieties — GM or non-GM — involves comparing a number of factors, such as agronomic performance, yield, resistance to pests, etc., for the new variety. Researchers take very seriously all of these potential factors, including potential susceptibility to pathogens, when making decisions about which new varieties to move ahead with.

 

Part of the development of a GM crop variety is to test its susceptibility to a variety of pathogens and other environmental stressors. This testing is done first in the laboratory, then in a greenhouse and finally in a large number of field trials — all under strict protocols and monitoring. If a GM crop variety were found to have significantly increased susceptibility to pathogens, as compared with already commercialized GM and/or non-GM crop varieties, then commercial development for that variety would end.

 

For more information on the research and development process for bringing new biotech crops to the market, check out this study, which looks at the cost and steps involved.