Santa Barbara, California
June 7, 2007
Genetically modified (GM) crops
may contribute to increased productivity in sustainable
agriculture, according to a groundbreaking study published in
the June 8 issue of the journal
Science. The study analyzes, for the first time,
environmental impact data from field experiments all over the
world, involving corn and cotton plants with a Bt gene inserted
for its insecticidal properties. The research was conducted by
scientists at the National
Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) at the
University of California, Santa
Barbara, The Nature Conservancy,
and Santa Clara University. The
study is accompanied by a searchable global database for
agricultural and environmental scientists studying the effects
of genetically engineered crops.
Biotechnology and genetic engineering are controversial because
of concerns about risks to human health and biodiversity, but
few analyses exist that reveal the actual effects genetically
modified plants have on other non-modified species. In an
analysis of 42 field experiments, scientists found that this
particular modification, which causes the plant to produce an
insecticide internally, can have an environmental benefit
because large-scale insecticide spraying can be avoided.
Organisms such as ladybird beetles, earthworms, and bees in
locales with “Bt crops” fared better in field trials than those
within locales treated with chemical insecticides.
“This is a groundbreaking study and the first of its kind to
evaluate the current science surrounding genetically modified
crops. The results are significant for how we think about
technology and the future of sustainable agriculture,” said
Peter Kareiva, chief scientist of The Nature Conservancy.
According to lead author, Michele Marvier, of Santa Clara
University, “We can now answer the question: Do Bt crops have
effects on beneficial insects and worms" The answer is that it
depends to a large degree upon the type of comparison one makes.
When Bt crops are compared to crops sprayed with insecticides,
the Bt crops come out looking quite good. But when Bt crops are
compared to crops without insecticides, there are reductions of
certain animal groups that warrant further investigation.” What
is clear is that the advantages or disadvantages of GM crops
depend on the specific goals and vision for agroecosystems.
As NCEAS Director, Jim Reichman explains, “This important study
by an interdisciplinary research team reveals how an in-depth
analysis of large quantities of existing data from many
individual experiments can provide a greater understanding of a
complex issue. The project is enhanced by the creation of a
public database, Nontarget Effects of Bt Crops, developed by
NCEAS ecoinformatics expert, Jim Regetz, that will allow other
scientists to conduct congruent analyses.”
The National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis
(NCEAS) was created in 1995 with funding from the National
Science Foundation, the State of California, and the University
of California Santa Barbara. The Center facilitates
collaborative research and the synthesis of existing data on
ecology and the environment. NCEAS scientists develop new
techniques in informatics, and apply general knowledge of
ecological systems to specific issues such as the loss of biotic
diversity, global change, habitat decline and fragmentation, and
over-exploitation of natural resources. NCEAS is associated with
the Marine Science Institute and is located in downtown Santa
Barbara. |
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