Skip to main content

Scientists at Rothamsted make plea to protesters

GM wheat scientists at Rothamsted make plea to protesters 
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-17906172 
1 May 2012By Richard BlackEnvironment correspondent, BBC News

"Rothamsted's wheat contains genes that have been synthesised in the laboratory - an approach that is becoming more commonplace than transferring genes from other organisms, as technology develops. The gene will produce a pheromone called E-beta-farnesene that is normally emitted by aphids when they are threatened by something. When aphids smell it, they fly away. "Also, the natural enemies of aphids - ladybirds, lacewings and a particular parasitic wasp - when they smell this smell, they're attracted," said Prof Huw Junes, one of the study team who signed the open letter. "So it's potentially got an advantage in the UK and other western nations because it'll prevent the need to spray insecticide - and [in the developing world where] farmers don't have access to insecticide, they'd have that packaged up in the seed."

"...the Rothamsted letter pledges their results "will not be patented and will not be owned by any private company.
"If our wheat proves to be beneficial we want it to be available to farmers around the world at minimum cost,"

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Why buying Organic isn't all that superior

"The USDA, which oversees the foods labeled as “Certified Organic”, states quite clearly on its website about its role in organic, that “Our regulations do not address food safety or nutrition.” Foods labelled “Certified Organic” must adhere to certain rules and regulations but aren’t endowed with any particular nutritional or safety features. However, many consumers believe that the Organic label means the food has superior nutrition and is safer, especially in regard to pesticide residues. This is not true. Studies have shown no appreciable difference in nutrition between crops grown either organically or conventionally." "Organic farmers also use pesticides, and the products they are allowed to use are constrained with few exceptions by whether they can be considered “natural.” That is not a safety standard since many of the most toxic chemicals known are “natural.” Like all pesticides, these natural options are subject to EPA scrutiny, and so the pesticides that ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Heart of DARKness

Heart of DARKness What I saw at the anti-GMO crusade BY: Bill McMorris December 23, 2014 1:00 pm "Researchers in the United States are developing GMOs to increase crop yield, resist drought, and fight pests in the third world. Protesters had no qualms with hindering that progress. Ian Lancaster, a junior at Michigan-based Oakland University who plans to move to Paris after graduation to study existentialist philosophy, said that starvation in Africa isn’t our problem if we have to resort to GMOs. “Let’s be honest, we’re going to exploit Africa. It’s what we do,” he said. “It shouldn’t be the Bourgeoisie [that works to alleviate starvation]. It should be natural selection.” “Natural hierarchy,” a Detroit EMT with a pierced tongue and corn stalks painted on his face added. “I don’t think there is a scientific solution because science is self-defeating. It doesn’t recognize mistakes brought on by science,” the self-assured existentialist said. Like all silly ideas this o...
Post a Comment
Read more

Willits Local Resource Links

Local Resources for Redwood Highway Willits Willits Chamber Commerce USA National Phenology Network - citizen scientists, government agencies, non-profit groups, educators and students of all ages monitor the impacts of climate change on plants and animals Ukiah Smart Growth Coalition U.S. BIOCHAR INITIATIVE home page - a non-for-profit organization promoting the sustainable production and use of biochar through research, policy, technology and “doing it” The Oil Drum - Discussions about Energy and Our Future The New Economics Institute - Promoting the building of strong local economies that link people, land, and community. The Mendocino Grain Project Sol-Solutions - Solar energy products Rodale Institute -organic farming - For over sixty years, we’ve been researching the best practices of organic agriculture and sharing our findings with farmers and scientists throughout the world, advocating for policies that support farmers, and educating consu...
Post a Comment
Read more