My organic garden has once again been destroyed another year in a row, did you know that bugs do not eat gmo plants?

Expert response from Community Manager

Friday, 09/01/2015 12:32

Actually, bugs attempt to eat GMO and organic plants equally, with “attempt” being the key word.  Let’s consider lepidopteran (caterpillar) pests on corn.  The adult moths are not able to distinguish between GMO, conventional, or organically produced plants so they will lay eggs on all of these plants.  When the larvae hatch, they begin to feed on the plant.  If it is a GMO plant that produces the Bt protein, the larvae will only survive for a few days before it gets sick, stops eating and eventually dies.  However, for conventional and organically produced corn, the larvae will continue to eat unless treated with Bt sprays or another insecticide.  

As you may know, organic gardens do not use synthetic inputs such as pesticides and fertilizers (emphasis on synthetic), nor genetically modified traits such as Bt proteins that primarily control caterpillars.  However, growers that farm organically can still use naturally occurring insecticides such as Bt sprays, neem oil, Safer Soaps, pyrethrins, diatomaceous earth, elemental sulphur, etc.  Many of these natural insecticides need to be topically applied and there are considerations to this method:

• some insects such as aphids and mites or insects that feed within the plant can be difficult to control with a topical insecticide.
• typically require relatively high use rates and frequent re-applications 
• are relatively expensive 
• and in many cases are somewhat host specific (do not control all of the potential insect pests that may be in your garden).

Because your questions didn’t specify what bugs are destroying your garden, I recommend consulting with your local nursery or county extension agent.  They should be able to provide you with helpful information.