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Ecological engineering viable alternative to GM

Source: Nature

9 December 2008 | EN | 中文

rice grains_flickr_IRRI Images.jpg

In such a well-studied crop as rice, ecological engineering could be implemented immediately

Flickr/IRRI Images

Ecological engineering could offer cheaper, more efficient long-term strategies for pest control than genetically modified (GM) crops, say Josef Settele and colleagues in Nature.

Ecological engineering in irrigated rice — controlling insect pests through landscape management — has almost eradicated insecticide use in the field sites of the International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines.

The authorsargue that, unlike GM rice, ecological engineering does not undermine the independence of farmers in developing countries by relying on big business for pest control.

In such a well-studied crop as rice, ecological engineering could be implemented immediately, they say. Future research should focus on developing sustainable management schemes for other key crops.

Link to full article in Nature

Comments

Francois Spite ( France )

13 December 2008

GM technique is not opposed to ecological-engineering, and by the way, increases the biodiversity. Also, GM crops do not necessarily undermines the independence of farmers and developing nations. It is urgent to avoid unnecessary antagonisms in the discussion.

Jan Moore ( United States of America )

21 December 2008

GM corn has already killed biodiversity of traditional corn in Mexico by transgenic contamination. Also, Monsanto's Round Up ready herbicide has been linked by scientists to the disappearance of bees and also poisoning of livestock in India. I agree with this opinion that natural methods for pest control and growing crops are the better way to a more sustainable planet. That is not an antagonism, that is the truth. Agrobusiness companies are now getting away with foisting this technology on the world without proper testing as to the effects on human health. We must be very careful and vigilant of this in the coming years.

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