GM Corn: Bt Corn

Much development has been made with genetically modified crops over the years. Quite possibly the most development has been with Bt corn. This genetically modified corn variant contains the Bacillus thuringiensis toxin, a form of pesticide aimed at the corn borer, an insect that causes as much as $1 billion in losses each year for farmers and America(1). It seems as though a type of corn with pesticides sounds too good to be true. It also sounds somewhat frightening to some. Does it live up to its hype? Is it as safe as manufacturers assure us?

The use of Bt corn has many benefits. According to J.F. Witkowski of the University of Minnesota, Bt corn is not directly harmful to humans. According to this person, it is not even harmful to the environment, fish, pets, livestock, or virtually any wildlife, including beneficial insects, such as honey bees, lady beetles, spiders, and wasps. The Environmental Protection Agency has also “considered 20 years of human and animal safety data before registering Bt corn” (2). Bt corn will however, affect other corn eating pests, such as the armyworm. Bt corn is created by extracting corn DNA and fusing it with the Bt toxin. This creates the seeds for Bt corn. The Bt corn seeds are then mixed with unaltered corn seeds and planted in fields. Federal and State laws require all farmers using Bt corn to have a certain percentage of unaltered corn in their crops. Studies and surveys show that 91 percent of farmers using Bt corn follow compliance. It is estimated that up to 10 percent do not, however (3)(5).

The European Corn Borer is a breed of moths that has caused devastating effects on farmers worldwide(1). As stated earlier, the corn borer causes as much as $1 billion in damages in the United States alone. Bt corn works when the corn borer ingests the toxin. The toxin becomes attached to the intestines of the moth, which then goes to the corn borer’s bloodstream (6). Martina Newell-McGlaughlin of the University of California Davis believes that Bt corn could be healthier to eat than non altered corn. According to her research, Bt corn reduces the amount of mycotoxin fungi, a common problem with corn crops, by up to 90 percent. The reduced amount of mycotoxin fungi would mean reduced cases of liver diseases around the world, particularly in Africa (6). Fewer problems with crops would also mean more crop production.

There are many negative aspects of Bt corn. The largest problem with Bt corn is the fact that it could cause allergies in people allergic to pollen. While allergies have been reported in studies, there is still no final proof of this, according to Business World (4). Starlink Corn, an unapproved variety of Bt corn, was found in Taco shells in September of 2000, making its way into as much as 50 percent of the U.S.’s corn supply. An estimated number of at least 44 Americans claimed that the Starlink Corn made them sick. Studies have also shown that when the corn pollinates, the pollen kills monarch butterflies. However, the USDA states that there is no significant risk to monarch butterflies, due to the fact that they would need to be exposed to levels of pollen in excess of 1000cm/2. While this is plausible, according to the USDA, it is not likely (7). Another negative aspect of Bt corn is an issue of morals. Some people, such as the National Conference of State Legislatures, believe that genetically altering DNA is the equivalent of playing God (10).

As made apparent, the topic of Bt corn is a volatile one. There is never going to be a clear cut “yes or no” answer to using Bt corn. Some argue that it can be beneficial by cutting crop losses by up to 20 percent, reducing the amount of fungi as regular corn, and being resistant to the corn borer. Others, however, argue that there are too many risks, including the threat of allergies, the threat to monarch butterflies, and the thought of “playing god.” Complicating matters further, each argument for and against Bt corn is easily contradicted. Those who argue that the corn kills monarchs are often contradicted by those who argue that in order for the monarchs to be in any harm, they would need to be overexposed, something not likely to happen. Those who argue that Bt corn is not harmful to humans are contradicted by those who bring up the Starlink corn incident in which people were allegedly ill from eating taco shells accidentally filled with Starlink corn.
Annotated Bibliography

1.) Boyd, Michael L., Wayne C. Bailey. “European Corn Borer: A Multiple-Crop Pest in Missouri” June 20, 2006. http://www.outreach.missouri.edu/explore/agguides/pests/g07113.htm. Download date: 11/16/2006
Examining the European Corn Borer and its effects on corn, particularly in Missouri.

2.) Witkowski, J. F. et al. “ Bt Corn and European Corn Borer: Long Term Success Through Resistance Management”. 1997. http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/cropsystems/DC7055.html. Download date: 11/16/2006
General site about Bt corn and the European Corn borer.

3.) Associated Press. “Most Bt growers follow insect management rules.” Telegraph-herald. January 23, 2005. http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=782813551&sid=2&Fmt=3&clientId=44304&RQT=309&VName=PQD
Download date: 11/14/2006

Report shows 91 % of farmers using Bt corn follow compliance. Any farmer not following compliance can be denied seed from provider.

4.) BusinessWorld. “Study result not final proof Bt corn harmful to farmers.”BusinessWorld. March 2, 2004.
http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=569005361&sid=2&Fmt=3&clientId=44304&RQT=309&VName=PQD
Download date: 11/14/2006
Study shows that increased risk of allergies/reactions using bt corn. According to article, that is not final physical proof.

5.) Associated Press. “ All don’t follow bio-tech rules, survey shows.” Wisconsin State Journal. September 11, 2003. http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=403795141&sid=2&Fmt=3&clientId=44304&RQT=309&VName=PQD
Download date: 11/14/2006
Survey shows as many as 20% of farmers using Bt-corn don’t follow rules. Many do not plant rows of natural corn. This article contradicts previous article

6.) Newell-McGloughlin, Martina. “Agricultural Biotechnology Ten Years On: Past, Present, and Prospects” 2004. http://ucsystembiotech.ucdavis.edu/PDFs/IAAE%20Brisbane.pdf. Download date: 11/16/2006
Research suggests Bt corn healthier than non altered corn.
7) USDA. “Bt Corn and Monarch Butterflies.” 2004. http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/br/btcorn/index.html#bt1
Download date: 11/18/2006

A “what you should know” segment from the USDA regarding the health of Monarch Butterflies with the use of Bt Corn.

8) Farquhar, Doug and Crystal Biggerstaff. “Playing God with Potatoes.” National Conference of State Legislatures. 2002. http://www.ncsl.org/programs/pubs/102potat.htm
Download date: 11/18/2006

Examples by authors on how using GM crops is like playing God.

December 2006