Another type of coating is used with
clover and other legume seeds that
includes a rhizobia inoculant to ensure
nitrogen-fixing bacteria is present near
the sprouted plant. Other coatings
include colors for visibility and ease of
identification or to minimize seed dust.
Genetically Modified
Organisms (GMOs)
Genetically modified organisms have
had sections of their DNA replaced with
DNA from an otherwise incompatible
life form. Examples include plants with
genes from bacteria, viruses, insects,
or animals inserted into their genetic
code. This is done to introduce traits not
available through standard breeding
practices, and to create patentable life
that can be owned by the proprietary
corporation. For example, Roundup Ready
crops are those that have been genetically
modified with a gene from bacteria called
Agrobacteria allowing for resistance to
glyphosate (Roundup). One concern is the
use of GMOs can introduce new genetic
pressures in associated plants, as in the
case of glyphosate-resistant superweeds
which have developed in response.
“one concern is
the use of GMOs can introduce
new genetic pressures in
associated plants, as in the
case of glyphosate-resistant
superweeds which have
developed in response.”
Another concern is the proliferation
of GMO crops creates genetic
bottlenecks and comes with
many of the same drawbacks
as clone-only monoculture
plants, such as the Gros Michel
bananas, where a previously
undiscovered pathogen
susceptibility to Panama
disease resulted in
catastrophic blight.
Maximum Yield
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