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Questions and Answers
What benefit does GM insect resistant maize have compared to conventional crops?
What benefit does GM insect resistant maize have compared to conventional crops?
What environmental advantage is associated with reduced tillage farming systems?
What environmental advantage is associated with reduced tillage farming systems?
Which of the following is NOT a reported benefit of adopting plant biotechnology?
Which of the following is NOT a reported benefit of adopting plant biotechnology?
What effect does fungal damage have on mycotoxin levels in crops?
What effect does fungal damage have on mycotoxin levels in crops?
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How do reduced herbicide and insecticide usage associated with biotech crops impact greenhouse gas emissions?
How do reduced herbicide and insecticide usage associated with biotech crops impact greenhouse gas emissions?
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What is the primary reason farmers are adopting biotechnology in crop production?
What is the primary reason farmers are adopting biotechnology in crop production?
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In 2005, what was the direct global farm income benefit from GM crops?
In 2005, what was the direct global farm income benefit from GM crops?
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Which benefit is associated with Herbicide-Tolerant (HT) crops?
Which benefit is associated with Herbicide-Tolerant (HT) crops?
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What is one of the convenience benefits of Insect-Resistant (IR) crops?
What is one of the convenience benefits of Insect-Resistant (IR) crops?
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What has improved due to better weed control in GM crops?
What has improved due to better weed control in GM crops?
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What effect does Bt maize have compared to non-Bt maize, particularly regarding fungal damage?
What effect does Bt maize have compared to non-Bt maize, particularly regarding fungal damage?
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What is a major outcome associated with the adoption of conservation or no-tillage systems in biotech crop farming?
What is a major outcome associated with the adoption of conservation or no-tillage systems in biotech crop farming?
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Which of the following benefits is NOT typically associated with biotechnology in crops?
Which of the following benefits is NOT typically associated with biotechnology in crops?
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Study Notes
Why Farmers Use Biotech Crops
- Primary reason for adopting biotech crops is the significant increase in farm income due to enhanced productivity and efficiency.
- In 2005, global farm income from GM crops reached $5 billion.
- Economic benefits arise from two main sources: increased yields (primarily from GM insect-resistant technology) and reduced production costs (lower spending on herbicides, insecticides, and fuel).
Herbicide-Tolerant Crops
- GM herbicide-tolerant (HT) crops allow spraying at a later stage when crops can better tolerate herbicide effects.
- This method promotes conservation and no-tillage systems, leading to cost savings in labor and fuel.
- Improved weed control results in cleaner harvests, reducing overall harvesting times and improving crop quality.
- Elimination of potential damage from residual herbicides in subsequent crops benefits rotational farming.
Insect-Resistant Crops
- GM insect-resistant crops reduce the need for insecticides, lowering farmer labor and operational costs related to pest management.
- Less frequent aerial spraying leads to energy savings and reduced machinery use.
- Bt maize exhibits lower levels of fungal damage, decreasing mycotoxin contamination (5–10-fold reduction compared to non-Bt maize).
- Superior quality of Bt maize improves food and feed safety, benefiting both farmers and consumers.
Health and Environmental Impacts
- Health and safety of farmers improve as the reliance on hazardous pesticides decreases.
- Some crops allow for a shorter growing season and enable multiple cropping (e.g., second crop of maize in India), enhancing overall yield.
- The reduction in insecticide spraying also positively impacts beekeeping, minimizing bee losses.
Environmental Impact of Biotech Crops
- Adoption of biotech crops leads to decreased use of insecticides and herbicides, which benefits the environment.
- Reduced fuel consumption in farming operations contributes to lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
- Shifting from conventional to no/reduced tillage practices increases organic carbon storage in soil, aiding carbon sequestration and further reducing CO2 emissions.
Biotechnological Applications for Plants
- Understanding plant biochemistry is crucial for biotechnological advancements.
- Key techniques include molecular biology methods, construction of expression vectors, transformation techniques, and plant regeneration processes.
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Description
Explore the benefits of biotech crops, focusing on how they enhance farm income and productivity. Discover the roles of herbicide-tolerant and insect-resistant crops in improving crop quality and reducing production costs. This quiz will provide insights into the economic advantages of using genetically modified crops for farmers.
