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19/01/2005
GM crop has environmental benefits, claim scientists
Scientists have claimed that the controversial genetically- modified herbicide tolerant (GMHT) crop technology, could have possible environmental benefits.
The research, conducted by scientists from the Broom's Barn search Station 2, claims that new crop management approaches could resolve concerns about indirect environmental effects of GM sugar beet on weeds, insects and birds.
The research claims that improved timing of herbicide application to maximise both crop yields and the benefits from leaving weeds between crop rows, would help to obtain wildlife benefits in spring. However, the researchers said that in order to gain more important autumn environmental benefits (because autumn weeds provide seeds for bird food and also for recharging weed seedbanks), they had developed a system that gave maximum crop yield and increased weed availability. The scientists said that using this system increased weed availability by up to 16 fold, compared with previous GM or conventional management systems, tested in the government's recent Farm Scale Evaluation trials.
The researchers described the new system as "extremely simple", saying that its process of applying the first spray fairly early and omitting the second spray, would help save on additional costs and pesticide, compared to more conventional practices.
Commenting on the new research, Dr John Pidgeon, director of Broom's Barn, said: "This work adds a new perspective to future discussions about the benefits from GMHT sugar beet that the public, environmentalists and farmers should all be interested in."
(KMcA/SP)
The research, conducted by scientists from the Broom's Barn search Station 2, claims that new crop management approaches could resolve concerns about indirect environmental effects of GM sugar beet on weeds, insects and birds.
The research claims that improved timing of herbicide application to maximise both crop yields and the benefits from leaving weeds between crop rows, would help to obtain wildlife benefits in spring. However, the researchers said that in order to gain more important autumn environmental benefits (because autumn weeds provide seeds for bird food and also for recharging weed seedbanks), they had developed a system that gave maximum crop yield and increased weed availability. The scientists said that using this system increased weed availability by up to 16 fold, compared with previous GM or conventional management systems, tested in the government's recent Farm Scale Evaluation trials.
The researchers described the new system as "extremely simple", saying that its process of applying the first spray fairly early and omitting the second spray, would help save on additional costs and pesticide, compared to more conventional practices.
Commenting on the new research, Dr John Pidgeon, director of Broom's Barn, said: "This work adds a new perspective to future discussions about the benefits from GMHT sugar beet that the public, environmentalists and farmers should all be interested in."
(KMcA/SP)
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