Herbicides Use and Gmos

GMOs and Increased Use of Herbicides

Genetically engineered crops have become common in the recent past as farmers throughout the world have planted huge portions of these crops. The increased plantations of these crops have contributed to controversies and debates regarding the use of herbicides. According to bio-agriculture companies, genetically engineering foods contribute to the reduction in the use of herbicides. However, there are counterarguments that the GMOs contribute to increased use of herbicides unlike claims by these bio-agriculture companies. This controversy is largely fueled by the belief that genetically engineered crops are developed to withstand herbicides. Nonetheless, herbicides are bad for people and the environment and the argument that herbicide resistant crops will reduce the use of herbicides is false.

Arguments on the effectiveness and safety of herbicide and pesticide resistant GMO crops

As previously mentioned, several arguments and counterarguments have been raised regarding GMOs and the use of herbicides. One of the issues that has attracted considerable attention and generated several arguments is concerns regarding the effectiveness and safety of herbicide and pesticide resistant GMO crops. These concerns have contributed to several arguments including

The Overuse of Glyphosate Herbicides

The first argument used in questioning the safety and effectiveness of herbicide and pesticide resistant GMO crops is the overuse of glyphosate herbicides. This is primarily because of the increased introduction of new glyphosate-tolerant varieties that have been largely successful from a commercial perspective and are commonly known as Roundup Ready plants (Cuhra, 2015). As these varieties are increasingly introduced, glyphosate herbicides are increasingly overused and leave high rate of residue on genetically modified crops. This is also fueled by the belief that glyphosate-tolerant genetically engineered crops are developed for use with glyphosate herbicide.

The Occurrence of 'Superweeds'

The second claim used to question the effectiveness and safety of herbicide and pesticide resistant genetically engineered crops is the occurrence of 'superweeds.' These kinds of weeds are creating resistance to herbicides and pesticides since GMO seeds are unable to tolerate increased use of some herbicide and pesticide products (Koba, 2014). As a result, the occurrence of superweeds increasingly generates the need for stronger herbicides. In essence, as herbicides and pesticides are used, stronger herbicide resistant weeds emerge, which generates significant losses for farmers in lost crops.

Arguments in support of effectiveness and safety of herbicide and pesticide resistant GMOs

Despite arguments questioning the effectiveness and safety of herbicide and pesticide resistant GMO crops, there are claims supporting these crops including

Better Crop Yield

Proponents of herbicide and pesticide resistant GMO crops argue that they create better crop yield as compared to non-genetically modified or engineered crops. They argue that herbicide resistant GMO's yield better crops benefiting farmers and the population. While crops always battle with weeds, the new GMO seeds make herbicides and pesticides to work better and contribute to better crop yield for farmers. This in turn contributes to significant profits for farmers as well as numerous benefits to the population with regards to food security. The ability of genetically modified organisms to contribute to better crop yield is attributed to the numerous benefits they provide to farmers with regards to fighting weeds. One of the major impediments towards generating better crop yield is weeds, which are constantly fighting crops. Since these crops fight weeds better than non-genetically engineered ones, they generate better crop yield to the benefit of farmers and the population.

New GMO's

The second claim in support of these crops is the development of new genetically engineered crops that effectively fight and overcome resistance from weeds including 'superweeds.' In essence, new genetically modified crops are characterized by multi-tactic resistance that has the capability to fight 'superweeds.' Actually, proponents of some of the varieties of GMO crops argue that these organisms tolerate multiple spraying, which is a much-need tool by farmers. This in turn enables farmers to have improved weed management solutions in relation to flexibility and consistency in fighting weeds that are commonly tough to manage (Keim, 2015). Therefore, the emergence of new GMOs creates numerous ways for dealing with the problem of weeds including the new 'superweeds.'

Conclusion

In conclusion, the increased use of genetically modified crops by farmers has generated huge controversies and debates in the recent past with regards to several issues in farming such as herbicide and pesticide use. These issues have particularly emerges because of the fact that most of these crops are herbicide and pesticide resistant. While several arguments and counterarguments continue to emerge regarding the effectiveness and safety of GMO crops, new solutions are needed to lessen the use of herbicides.