Question
Is it true that GMO seeds don't reproduce well?
Is it true that seeds from GMOs dont reproduce well so the farmer has to continue buying new seeds from the manufacturer?
Submitted by: Cornelia Ward
Answer
Expert response from Jay Schultz
Farmer
Friday, 07/08/2015 11:09
The fact whether a seed came from a GMO crop or not is not relevant in regards to its viability.
There are a few reasons why a farmer would not want to continually reuse common seed. If the GMO crop is a hybrid, the resulting F1 generation could have less vigour or disease resistance making it less desirable for agronomic reasons. A hybrid is not necessarily a GMO but would require new seed every year. See more on hybrid seed production here.
It's common practice to use certified seed which offers many benefits over reusing seed regardless of breeding process. For example we grow GMO Canola, Wheat and Yellow Peas. We buy new Canola (hybrid) seed every year and buy certified wheat and pea seed to grow out for the following year to keep variety lines pure.
There are many different crops that require growers to sign a contract restricting use of seed. It's one way that breeders can see return on investment. Otherwise there would be no incentive to develop better varieties. As a grower, if the benefits of buying better genetics or traits outweighs the cost of the seed, I am willing to purchase that seed regardless if it's a GMO. For example if a variety of wheat is resistant to diseases like rust or fusarium, I would be willing to pay extra money to grow that variety. GMOs offer some very useful traits like Ringspot Resistant Papaya in Hawaii.
Moderator Note: There are no GM wheat or yellow peas currently commercially available.
The purchasing of new seed to keep plant genetics pure and healthy is a standard practice regardless of whether a GMO breeding process was used.
Answer
Expert response from Jay Schultz
Farmer
Friday, 07/08/2015 11:09
The fact whether a seed came from a GMO crop or not is not relevant in regards to its viability.
There are a few reasons why a farmer would not want to continually reuse common seed. If the GMO crop is a hybrid, the resulting F1 generation could have less vigour or disease resistance making it less desirable for agronomic reasons. A hybrid is not necessarily a GMO but would require new seed every year. See more on hybrid seed production here.
It's common practice to use certified seed which offers many benefits over reusing seed regardless of breeding process. For example we grow GMO Canola, Wheat and Yellow Peas. We buy new Canola (hybrid) seed every year and buy certified wheat and pea seed to grow out for the following year to keep variety lines pure.
There are many different crops that require growers to sign a contract restricting use of seed. It's one way that breeders can see return on investment. Otherwise there would be no incentive to develop better varieties. As a grower, if the benefits of buying better genetics or traits outweighs the cost of the seed, I am willing to purchase that seed regardless if it's a GMO. For example if a variety of wheat is resistant to diseases like rust or fusarium, I would be willing to pay extra money to grow that variety. GMOs offer some very useful traits like Ringspot Resistant Papaya in Hawaii.
Moderator Note: There are no GM wheat or yellow peas currently commercially available.
The purchasing of new seed to keep plant genetics pure and healthy is a standard practice regardless of whether a GMO breeding process was used.