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The only papers I've seen that indicate GMO has reduced pesticide use were published by various industry groups with unclear ties to pesticide manufacturers. Ac
by simulate-me 4y ago
The only papers I've seen that indicate GMO has reduced pesticide use were published by various industry groups with unclear ties to pesticide manufacturers. Academic papers seem to indicate pesticide use is higher, especially as the pests develop a resistance to the pesticide. E.g. https://enveurope.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/2190-4715-24-24 https://enveurope.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/2190-471...
> Contrary to often-repeated claims that today’s genetically-engineered crops have, and are reducing pesticide use, the spread of glyphosate-resistant weeds in herbicide-resistant weed management systems has brought about substantial increases in the number and volume of herbicides applied.
- xxpor 4y agoPeople in this thread don't agree on the definition of "pesticide" The linked paper does say insecticide use went down, but herbicide use went up.
- simulate-me 4y agoGrouping insecticide and herbicide together: > Overall, pesticide use increased by an estimated 183 million kgs (404 million pounds), or about 7%.