Genetically Modified Foods

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Clyde, Jan 31, 2007.


  1. Clyde

    Clyde Jet Set Tourer Administrator Founding Member

    If Bees won't eat'em, WHY SHOULD WE BE FORCED TO EAT'EM?





    Wild Bees Reject Genetically Engineered Crop--Potential Major Impact on Pollination

    • Ecological Society of America, Dec 23, 2006
    From Ecological Society of America Referring to a June 2005 peer-reviewed article

    Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia, V5A 1S6, Canada

    Abstract. The ecological impacts of agriculture are of concern, especially with genetically modified and other intensive, modern cropping systems, yet little is known about effects on wild bee populations and subsequent implications for pollination. Pollination deficit (the difference between potential and actual pollination) and bee abundance were measured in organic, conventional, and herbicide-resistant, genetically modified (GM) canola fields (Brassica napus and B. rapa) in northern Alberta, Canada, in the summer of 2002.

    Bee abundance data were collected using pan traps and standardized sweep netting, and pollination deficit was assessed by comparing the number of seeds per fruit from open-pollinated and supplementally pollinated flowers. There was no pollination deficit in organic fields, a moderate pollination deficit in conventional fields, and the greatest pollination deficit in GM fields. Bee abundance was greatest in organic fields, followed by conventional fields, and lowest in GM fields. Overall, there was a strong, positive relationship between bee abundance at sampling locations and reduced pollination deficits. Seed set in B. napus increased with greater bee abundance. Because B. rapa is an obligate outcrossing species, the lack of pollination deficit in the organic (B. rapa) fields likely was due to the high bee abundance rather than a lower dependence of B. rapa on pollinators than B. napus canola. Our study illustrates the importance of wild bees to agricultural production and suggests that some agroecosystems may better sustain wild bee abundance, resulting in greater seed production.

    Further research on why some cropping systems, such as genetically modified, herbicide-resistant canola, have low wild bee abundance would be useful for management of agroecosystems to promote sustainability of food production. Key words: agriculture; bees; Brassica rapa; Brassica napus; canola; conventional; genetically modified; organic; pollination; sustainable development.

    Manuscript received 3 September 2003; revised 3 September 2004; accepted 8 September 2004. Corresponding Editor: C. R. Linder © Copyright by Ecological Society of America 2005

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  2. Tracy

    Tracy Insatiably Curious Moderator Founding Member

    [applaud] Yeah Bees!


    Was just having a conversation earlier today about tree frogs being much more accurate than local meteorologists.

    Now; what was that old commercial about not being able to fool mother nature?
     
  3. wildernessgal

    wildernessgal Backwoods is a callin'

    MEDS. they'll be the RESOLUTION....

    I'm sure with THE WAY THE WORLD IS TODAY

    That they will FIND THE RIGHT MEDS.
    TO MAKE THEM (<--the poor bees) THINK OTHERWISE! b:: b::

    Not that I agree with the above described.
    As I am very fond of NATURE, BEES & so on...

    ~WILDERNESSGAL~
     
  4. BAT1

    BAT1 Cowboys know no fear

    Studies suggest

    Every body that uses them gains wieght fast. They are forbidden foods. Leviticus 19:19
     
  5. Blackjack

    Blackjack Monkey+++

    Now wait a minute Bat1, are you saying Leviticus genetically enhanced food is forbidden?
    Leviticus 19:19 Ye shall keep my statutes. Thou shalt not let thy cattle gender with a diverse kind: thou shalt not sow thy field with mingled seed: neither shall a garment mingled of linen and woollen come upon thee.

    I'm also seeing no tattoos, no prostituting your daughter, no shellfish. I don't see genetically modified crops though. Mingled seed would put an end to the square foot gardening thing though.

    I just love a good scripture debate Bat :)
     
  6. melbo

    melbo Hunter Gatherer Administrator Founding Member

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