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Cited by 49Genetically Modified Organisms ResearchInsect Resistance and GeneticsAgriculture and Biological Studies

Biotechnology in agriculture: Agronomic and environmental considerations and reflections based on 15 years of GM crops

Mannion, A.M., Morse, Stephen·2012·Progress in Physical Geography Earth and Environment
DOI 10.1177/0309133312457109
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Abstract

Genetically modified (GM) varieties of crops, notably soybean, maize, rape (canola) and cotton, were first grown commercially in 1996. In 2010 they occupied 148 million ha in 29 countries, mostly in the Americas and Asia but with an obvious absence in Europe where their introduction has been controversial due to concerns about environmental impairment and adverse impacts on human health. This paper reviews the published literature on the agronomic and environmental impact of GM crops in the last 15 years. Overall, the impact of GM crops has largely been agronomically and environmentally positive in both developed and developing world contexts. The often claimed negative impacts of GM crops have yet to materialize on large scales in the field. Agronomically, there have been yield increases per unit area, mainly due to reduced losses as a result of improved pest (i.e. insect) and weed control; in the case of conventional crops grown near GM varieties with insect resistance there have been benefits due to the so-called ‘halo’ effect. Environmentally, the decrease in insecticide use has benefited non-target and beneficial organisms while surface and groundwater contamination is less significant; human-health problems related to pesticide use have also declined. Equally important is the reduced carbon footprint as energy inputs are reduced. Of particular note, however, is the recognition that the success or longevity of GM crops is reliant on the speed with which resistance develops in target weeds and insects. However, resistance to GM-based plant resistance is already being detected in some pest populations and this suggests that scientists and farmers cannot be complacent. Current GM approaches are relatively transitory as a means of combating pests, as are conventional pesticides, and good management will determine how long this strategy proves positive. However, GM is a comparatively new science and the possibilities are considerable.

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  • Research shows that cultivation of GM crops does not pose any specific health or environmental risks, but instead can bring benefits to local farmers.

    “However, research shows that cultivation of GM crops does not pose any specific health 21 or environmental risks, but instead can bring benefits to local farmers [8-11].”

    From Fatal attraction: the intuitive appeal of GMO opposition (2015) · cites this paper as [8]

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Authors
Mannion, A. M., & Morse, S.
Affiliations
  • University of Reading (GB)
  • University of Surrey (GB)
Corresponding author
Mannion, A.M.
ORCID
Morse, Stephen
Venue
Progress in Physical Geography Earth and Environment
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Published
2012-08-21
Volume
36
Issue
6
Pages
747-763
ISSN
  • 0309-1333 (ISSN-L)
  • 1477-0296
DOI
10.1177/0309133312457109
OpenAlex
W2113546461
Cited by
49
References
70
Citations by year
2025: 1 · 2024: 1 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 2 · 2021: 1 · 2020: 2 · 2019: 3 · 2018: 7 · 2017: 3 · 2016: 3 · 2015: 11 · 2014: 7 · 2013: 3
FWCI
7.67
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
journals.sagepub.com/page/policies/text-and-data-mining-license (tdm)
Locations
Progress in Physical Geography Earth and Environment (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Plant Science › Genetically Modified Organisms Research
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Insect Resistance and Genetics
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › General Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Agriculture and Biological Studies
Keywords
genetically modified crops, agronomic impacts, environmental impact, insect resistance, weed resistance, halo effect, insecticide reduction, non-target organisms, groundwater contamination, carbon footprint, crop yield

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