Biotech industry figures show that 4 of every 5 acres of GM crops worldwide (81%) are modified for tolerance to an herbicide (mainly glyphosate, Monsanto’s Roundup). USDA data on pesticide use show clearly that use of herbicides (weedkillers, one form of pesticide) has increased dramatically with increasing adoption of GM herbicide-tolerant soybeans, corn, cotton and canola. The main reason for this increase in herbicide use is the explosive growth in weeds resistant to glyphosate, which in turn results from farmers’ overreliance on glyphosate to control weeds in Roundup Ready (glyphosate tolerant) crops. This weed resistance (very like antibiotic resistance in bacteria) is driving increased use of glyphosate and other nastier herbicides like atrazine, 2,4-D and acetachlor.

GM crops are not “hardier” (whatever that means) and do not better survive “difficult growing seasons.” In fact, Roundup Ready soybeans perform more poorly in drought conditions than conventional soybeans. Biotech companies have been talking about drought-tolerance and salt-tolerance for over a decade, but have failed to bring any such GM crop to market, and none are on the horizon.

Herbicide-resistant weeds fostered by GM herbicide-tolerant crops are driving increased use of mechanical tillage as a means of weed control, increasing soil erosion. Tennessee, Mississippi and Missouri are already seeing reductions in no-till agriculture as more and more farmers till to control herbicide-resistant weeds. That means more soil erosion, not less.

Instead of repeating biotech industry myths, a scientist like Dr. Lei should examine the facts. GM crops are designed mainly for increased use of herbicides, not to feed the world. I would be happy to supply references to support my analysis above.

Instead of solving these, they just another problem, GMOs.