Genetically modified plants have always been a debatable topic surrounded by many controversies. Different research workers have put forward different hypotheses regarding them. Some stand for them, while many are against. The genetically modified crops might have proved to be a boon for many, but at the same time they have brought about much worse effects to the environment.
The genetically modified crops are known to harm the natural flora and bring about adverse effects on agriculture too. The changes that are brought about at the genetic level of the plants bring in some changes in their natural character which are not always acceptable by the natural environment. These changes then bring about adverse effects on the environment and disturb the overall biological balance of nature.
The pollen grains of genetically modified plants are known to harm the surrounding similar plants. When the pollen grains land on different plants belonging to the same genus and species they cross pollinate and ultimately result in contamination of the plants resulting in crops which may have significantly dangerous effects on the surrounding environment (Institute for Responsible Technology). Thus the plants that were not subjected to genetic engineering are actually getting damaged as a result of their genetically modified counterparts. In other words, the plants that were initially subjected to changes for better quality crop production are now the cause of naturally produced plants.
Another major harm that the genetically modified crops bring along with them is the fact that they affect the organisms who initially were not targeted when the DNA of these plants were being modified. These non target organisms suffer as a result of the modifications brought in the DNA. Bees and Monarch butterflies are the most affected animal species who are being subjected to sufferings as a result of their continuous exposure to the modified crops. The genetic modification brought about in such crops help in making the plants resistant to the pests that affect them. The target pests gradually develop resistance against such modifications but the harmful effects that these plants cause to the environment continue for a much longer time period, affecting those who were not initially supposed to (Nicolia et al. 77-88). The danger that these genetically modified crops cause to the non targeted organisms is a matter of great concern. These organisms suffer from the ill effects that were actually designed for other organisms.
Genetically modified crops contain a certain type of protein which is usually not consumed by human beings. Consumption of such proteins may result in an exaggerated immune response ultimately leading to allergic manifestations. It has not yet been proved that such genetically modified crops can bring about allergic reactions. However, some in vitro studies have proved that there are chances of developing hyper immune response. This finding has discouraged many biotechnology scientists to put on hold further development and production of genetically modified crops. The levels of allergens present in the genetically modified crops are alarmingly high. Some of them have even proved to be carcinogenic.
It’s a known fact that plants produce certain toxins that are harmful for human beings. However, the amount of such toxins is low enough to bring about any adverse reactions in the human beings. Altering the genetic combination of the plants may make the plant susceptible to produce increased quantity of toxins which then may affect the human beings consuming the same. Most of the plants lose their nutritional values as a consequence of genetic modification. Thus, the basic aim of bringing about the modification, which is, trying to increase the efficacy of the crops for human consumption is, actually forfeited (Enhs.umn.edu).
Therefore, it can be said that the genetically modified crops did bring about them lot of good things along with them, but the adverse effects are also equally strong enough to forbid the use of such crops. It is important to decide if the benefits or the losses are more powerful and a decision regarding the usage of the same can then be taken. There was much hype in the international market about the genetically modified crops soon after they were introduced in the market. However, with time, the different aspects of these crops came up to the surface and these aspects forced the biotechnology experts to reconsider their decision of promoting further the usage of these crops. In the recent times, people have become more aware of the adverse effects of these crops and simultaneously there have been a significant fall in the consumption of these crops in the international market. The biotechnologists were planning to bring about better modifications in the crops with the help of genetic engineering and the new leading edge technologies, but the results that have come up with the pre existing genetically modified crops have disappointed them and discouraged them to go ahead with the idea of increasing their productions.
The genetically modified crops, thus have proved to be more of a negative addition in the environment. Their bad effects are very near to outweigh their good effects.
References
"Dangers To The Environment- Institute For Responsible Technology". Institute for Responsible Technology. N.p., 2016. Web. 11 June 2016.
"GMO: Harmful Effects". Enhs.umn.edu. N.p., 2016. Web. 11 June 2016.
Nicolia, Alessandro et al. "An Overview Of The Last 10 Years Of Genetically Engineered Crop Safety Research". Critical Reviews in Biotechnology 34.1 (2013): 77-88. Web. 11 June 2016.
