Question

What is the main objective of production/use of herbicide resistant GM crops?

• A. Encourage eco-friendly herbicides
• B. Reduce herbicide accumulation in food articles for health safety
• C. Eliminate weeds from the field without the use of manual labour
• D. Eliminate weeds from the field without the use of herbicides

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Reduce herbicide accumulation in food articles for health safety

Genetically modified crops or GM crops are plants used in agriculture, the DNA of which has been modified using genetic engineering techniques. In most cases, the aim is to introduce a new trait to the plant which does not occur naturally in the species. For example, in food crops include resistance to certain pests, diseases, or environmental conditions, reduction of spoilage, or resistance to chemical treatments (e.g., resistance to a herbicide) or improving the nutrient profile of the crop. GM technology adoption had reduced chemical pesticide use by 37%, increased crop yields by 22%, and increased farmer profits by 68%. Yield gains and pesticide reductions are larger for insect-resistant crops than for herbicide-tolerant crops.