GMO Crops Require More Pesticides, Create Resistant Insects
Genetically modified crops are not only devastating to your health, but they are also wreaking havoc on the environment. New research adds to the mountain of evidence that genetically modified crops not only require more pesticides — defeating one primary purpose of their existence — but lead to new insect populations that are resistant to the biopesticides contained in the crops. As insects adapt to the genetically modified Bt, the biopesticide becomes absolutely worthless, igniting a vicious cycle of further genetic alteration.
Bt is a toxin incorporated into genetically modified crops in order to kill different insects, however Bt usage has subsequently spawned insect populations which are resistant to the biopesticide. At least 8 populations of insects have developed resistance, with 2 populations resistant to Bt sprays and at least 6 species resistant to Bt crops as a whole.
The Endless Cycle of Genetically Modified Biopesticides
What does this mean? Well, as a solution to the Bt resistance, biotech scientists are now creating even stronger genetically modified Bt as farmers use even more pesticides to combat the resistant bugs. However tests conclude that modified Bt toxin provided ‘little or no advantage’ in tackling the insects, despite extensive time and funding put into the research. It seems like an endless cycle in which scientists continue to genetically modify already genetically altered toxins in order to make them stronger and more effective against resistant insects — ultimately ending in insects that are immune to the most potent forms of Bt and other biopesticides. The ultimate effects that this volatile cycle will have on the environment is simply unknown.
Related Read: Super Rootworms Destroy Crops, Nature may Overcome Monsanto
Meanwhile the research highlights the numerous benefits of alternative and sustainable forms of organic farming. The study concludes that:
Alternative organic, sustainable methods of farming provide a realistic alternative, independent of reliance on agrobiotech corporations.
Of course organic and sustainable farming practices do not require endless amounts of genetic modification, heavy pesticide use, and the negative health effects that go along with it all. It seems that when Monsanto isn’t involved, farming becomes much simpler, healthy, and environmentally friendly.
 | Natural Society staff contribution |