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Transgenic plants failing in the fields

Increased environmental impact of toxic pesticides

10 April 2021 / Expectations that the cultivation of transgenic plants would lower the impact of pesticides on the environment have failed to materialise. This failure was confirmed in a recent study published in the magazine, Science, based on official data from the US. The experts compared volume and toxicity of pesticides applied in fields with genetically engineered (GE) plants to fields with conventional agriculture. The conclusion: in recent years there has been a strong increase in pesticides impacting the environment, with and without transgenic plants.

Genome-edited plants: negative effects on ecosystems are possible

New scientific publication shows the need for detailed investigation of ecological risks

30 March 2021 / A new scientific publication in the Environmental Sciences Europe journal provides an overview of the unwanted effects the release of genome-edited plants can have on ecosystems. These result from the intended properties induced by genome editing and can contribute to various metabolic processes. The publication is based on Project Genetic Engineering and the Environment (FGU) findings, and is one of the first worldwide to focus on ecological risks associated with specific CRISPR/Cas plant applications.

How do genetically engineered crops speed up the spread of plant pests?

Adverse environmental effects in insecticidal Bt plant cultivation

23 March 2021 / Recent Chinese and Brazilian studies strongly indicate that the cultivation of transgenic insecticidal plants can speed up the spread of specific plant pests. Unexpected and complex environmental interactions play a crucial role in this context.

European Group on Ethics presents report on New Genetic Engineering

Testbiotech criticises lack of balance

22 March 2021 / The European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies (EGE), which advises the EU Commission, has published its report on New Genetic Engineering (New GE or Genome Editing). The report deals with New GE applications in humans, animals and plants. An analysis of the report carried out by Testbiotech has found that the chapter on plants lacks the necessary balance and scientific accuracy. Testbiotech has therefore criticised the EGE for presenting conclusions on risks associated with genetically engineered plants without sufficient scientific backing.