Yield effects of genetically modified crops in developing countries.
Onfarm field trials carried out with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton in different states of India show that the technology substantially reduces pest damage and increases yields. The yield gains are much higher than what has been reported for other countries where genetically modified crops were used mostly to replace and enhance chemical pest control. In many developing countries, small-scale farmers especially suffer big pest-related yield losses because of technical and economic constraints. Pest-resistant genetically modified crops can contribute to increased yields and agricultural growth in those situations, as the case of Bt cotton in India demonstrates.
Qaim
Matin
M
Center for Development Research, University of Bonn, Walter-Flex-Strasse 3, 53113 Bonn, Germany. mqaim@uni-bonn.de
Zilberman
David
D
D000383:Agriculture / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D000818:Animals; D001413:Bacillus thuringiensis / Q000235:genetics*; D000083722:Bacillus thuringiensis Toxins; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D001427:Bacterial Toxins; D018556:Crops, Agricultural / Q000191:economics / Q000235:genetics*; D003906:Developing Countries; D004731:Endotoxins / Q000235:genetics; D003368:Gossypium / Q000235:genetics*; D006460:Hemolysin Proteins; D007194:India; D007306:Insecticides; D009036:Moths; D010572:Pest Control, Biological; D030821:Plants, Genetically Modified / Q000009:adverse effects
D000083722:Bacillus thuringiensis Toxins; D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D001427:Bacterial Toxins; D004731:Endotoxins; D006460:Hemolysin Proteins; D007306:Insecticides; C030956:insecticidal crystal protein, Bacillus Thuringiensis