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 Aggravates:
Unsafe genetically modified food Subject(s):
Biosciences → Genetics??Societal Problems → Pollution??
Agriculture, Fisheries → Crops??
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
G: Very specific problems Date of last update
24.04.2001 – 00:00 CEST