Risks of genetically engineered crops.
Around 85 percent of corn grown in America is genetically engineered to resist pests. Much of it has Bacillus thuringiensis (or Bt ) embedded in its genes. Bt is also a component of an insecticide considered mild and sprayed on organic crops.
However, growers of genetically modified corn are increasingly flouting regulations designed to keep corn borers and corn rootworms from becoming resistant to the pesticide. "Refuge fields" planted with conventional corn allow the pests to feed on unmodified crops and thus avoid developing resistance. But many farmers are ignoring this federally mandated requirement. This lack of compliance could result in the ineffectiveness of both Bt -modified corn and Bt spray, leaving crops unprotected (Elizabeth Weise, "Farmers Growing Genetically Engineered Corn Break Rules," USA Today, Nov. 5, 2009).
Those who question the ethics of genetically modified crops have predicted such problems, and this disregard of regulations will be added ammunition in the debate. God created some amazing genetic variability that scientists are still learning about. Excessive hybridization and genetic engineering bring with them big risks.
