Environmental impact of genetically modified crops

Abstract:

The genetic modification of crops continues to be the subject of intense debate, and opinions are often strongly polarised. This book addresses the major concerns of scientists, policy makers, environmental lobby groups and the general public regarding this controversial issue, from an editorially neutral standpoint. While the main focus is on environmental impact, food safety issues, for both humans and animals are also considered. The book concludes with a discussion on the future of agricultural biotechnology in the context of sustainability, natural resource management and future global population and food supply.

Table of Contents:

1. Agriculture, Ecosystem, and Environment [N Ferry and AMR Gatehouse]
2. Transgenic Technology [P Christou]
3. Novel Crops and Biofuels
4. Environmental Risk Assessment [F Tencalla]
5. Insect Resistant GM Crops; Pest Resistance [B Tabashnik]
6. Integrated Resistance Management: how can we prevent pest resistance in the future? [D Wright and N Crickmore]
7. Herbicide Tolerant GM Crops: Resistance and Management [M Owen]
8. Impact of GM Crops on non-target organisms [J Romeis]
9. Impact of GM Crops on Pollinators [L Malone and EPJ Burgess]
10. Impact of GM crops on soil and water ecology [R Wheatley]
11. Biodiversity [K Ammann]
12. Potential Wider Impact: Farmland Birds [M Whittingham]
13. Environmental Benefits of GM Crops [M Edwards and GM Poppy]
14. Safety for Human Consumption [R Phipps]
15. Post Commercialization testing and monitoring [B Ohen]
17. Monitoring Bt Resistance in the field: China as a case study [K He]
18. GM crops in Least Economically Developed Countries (LEDC): Africa as a case study [D George, S Mugo and H De Groote]
19. Developing a 21st century virew of Agriculture and the Environment [D Pimentel]
20. Conclusions [N Ferry and A Gatehouse]