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Introduction
In 1996, the commercial use of genetically modified (GM) crop production techniques had increasingly been accepted by many farmers. These crops primarily include canola, corn, soybeans, cotton, and cotton. It involved the use of genetic engineering, and two traits given to these crops by this technology are herbicide tolerance and GM insect resistance. Consequently, it led to high crop yields, mono-cropping, and the commercialization of farming. Despite that, GM technology has brought about environmental effects that have far-reaching implications for biodiversity and human life, influencing sustainability, health, and nutrition. This paper seeks to highlight the environmental impact of GM crop production techniques.
Contamination
Genetically modified crops can result in the contamination of other crops in several ways. Bhatt et al. (145) discuss how wild and non-GM plants can cross-pollinate with GM crops resulting in contamination. This results in transferring the modified genes to the other non-target plants. Through GM agricultural practices like CRISPR, cross-pollination between GM crops and wild plants can also create new, potentially invasive species. One chromosome can have an edited gene that copies itself into its partner chromosome thanks to a gene drive system. Consequently, almost all progeny will transfer the modified gene. A small number of organisms with gene drives introduced into the wild run the risk of introducing the edited gene into the entire population.
GM Insecticide Resistance
GM crops could also negatively impact species that are not intended to be affected, as with any environmental management strategy. Arthropods that prey on crop species and parasitic insects are among the species under consideration. In-depth experimental and field studies have been carried out over the past two decades of GM technology to determine the non-target implications of GM crops. According to Naranjo (127-144), natural enemies are intentionally harmed by the antimicrobial peptides used in IR seed production. Additionally, the regeneration or decrease in the utilization of chemical insecticides in connection with GM crops fosters favourable conditions for the preservation of insects in the agroecosystem, leading to resistance in insects that affect natural crops.
GM Herbicide Resistance
Herbicide resistance is one of the main advantages of GM crops and has been especially useful to farmers who grow crops that are sensitive to herbicides. According to Brookes (262-289), the change in the herbicides utilized in GM farming has brought significant benefits. Still, the predominant utilization of one or two herbicides has led to weed species being tolerant to a wide range of herbicides. In particular, the cultivation of glyphosate-tolerant crops has led to the development of glyphosate-resistant weeds that have caused significant issues in some areas. Many weed species are resistant to herbicides, especially in nations like the US, Brazil, and Canada, where GM crops are widely grown. Resistant species frequently impact United States crops like corn, cotton, and soybeans.
Biodiversity Loss
Over recent years, biodiversity loss cases have increased due to the increased use of genetically modified crops. The use of these crops has been linked to biodiversity loss when non-target animals and plants interact with genetically modified crops. An example of biodiversity loss is the decreasing population of monarch butterflies in North America due to the widespread use of herbicide-tolerant corn and soy.
Conclusion
Although the government has placed several regulations to safeguard our environment from GM crops, there is a high possibility that GM farming can be detrimental. The emergence of HT weeds and a net rise in the use of herbicides on crops in some regions are both effects of GM technology. A lot of toxic chemicals are released into the environment during farming practices, which has also led to contamination and biodiversity loss. Last but not least, it has led to the emergence of weeds and insects resistant to chemicals, harming crops and the environment.
Works Cited
Bhatt, Monica, et al. Genetic Pollution: Causes and Effects. Everymans Science (2018): 145. Web.
Brookes, Graham. Genetically Modified (GM) Crop Use 19962020: Environmental Impacts Associated with Pesticide Use Change. GM Crops & Food 13.1 (2022): 262-289. Web.
Naranjo, Steven E. Effects of GE Crops on Non-target Organisms. Plant biotechnology. Springer, Cham, 2021. 127-144. Web.
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