Problem

Genetic crop pollution

Nature:
When a genetically engineered plant reproduces itself, it may kill other plants or animals in unforeseen ways due to its modified genetic structure.
Incidence:
It was reported that the pollen of corn genetically engineered for pest resistance, when dusted on the leaves of milkweed plants caused the death of 44% of monarch butterfly caterpillars feeding on the milkweed. Caterpillars feeding on pollen from unmodified plants survived. In 1999, nearly 25% of the USA corn crop contains this toxin gene.
Broader Problems:
Genetic pollution
Narrower Problems:
Uncontrolled genetic drift
Subject(s):
Biosciences Genetics
Societal Problems Pollution
Agriculture, Fisheries Crops
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
GOAL 2: Zero HungerGOAL 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
Problem Type:
G: Very specific problems
Date of last update
24.04.2001 – 00:00 CEST