GM crops no longer safe from pests

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GM crops no longer safe from pests

MSN – Cotton and corn have been genetically engineered to produce toxins derived from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis, or Bt, in order to minimise use of broad spectrum insecticides, which can be harmful. Bt toxins kill certain insect pests but are harmless to most other creatures, including humans. These eco-friendly toxins have been used for decades in sprays by organic growers and since 1996 in engineered Bt crops by mainstream farmers, the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reports. Over time, scientists have learned, initially rare genetic mutations that confer resistance to Bt toxins are becoming more common as a growing number of pest populations adapt to Bt crops, according to an University of Arizona statement. Read article

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