GM Study Shows Potential 'Harm'

The fourth and final test of a GM crop grown under UK farm conditions has highlighted the detrimental effects the novel plants can have on wildlife.

The tests of a winter-sown oilseed rape showed the management of the biotech crop could reduce the weeds and seeds available to some insects and birds.

And scientists found these effects could linger in fields year after year.

But they also stressed the picture was complex and there were circumstances in which GM might be beneficial as well.

The results for three other types of engineered crops - a spring-sown oilseed rape, a sugar beet and a maize - were published in October 2003. Only the maize was approved for commercialisation under strict conditions.

news.bbc.co.uk...

[edit on 25/3/05 by Creative_Seeker]