Monsanto Company's (MON) genetically altered corn seeds have recently been reported of getting infected with some seed resistant bugs. The corn seeds are produced by combining seed and pesticides, developed by Monsanto. However, traits have shown some insects are developing resistance to these genetically altered combination seeds, of late.
Potential Danger
Reports determined that western corn rootworms in four Iowa corn fields have been evolved to develop resistance to a natural pesticide, which the plants are producing when grown from Monsanto's hybrid, or genetically altered corn seeds.
Moreover, as the resistant insects breed with other unaffected plants nearby, there is a chance of widespread contamination with non-resistant offspring with widespread effect. Currently, the resistance seems isolated, so it is still unclear how widespread the effect could become in the near future.
In order to prevent pesticide resistant insects from capturing an area, scientists suggested that the farmers need to plant conventional seed crops nearby according to the Environment Protection Act.
Monsanto’s Take
Monsanto however pointed out that the seeds are giving good results in nearly all the acreage they are being used. The company also affirmed that they are ready with potential safeguards in place, for any adverse situation.
Monsanto has been shifting its business from chemicals to the genetically altered combination seeds over the last several years. These genetically altered seeds, known as genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, have been controversial over time.
However, as the agricultural sector faces enormous present and future global demand, both in the near and long-term, Monsanto and the other hybrid seed makers’ will continue to fight for higher yield on crops, representing potentially enduring growth trends of genetically modified seeds.
Missouri-based Monsanto Company, together with its subsidiaries, is a leading global provider of agricultural products for farmers in the United States and internationally. Monsanto's biotechnology research and rich product pipeline provides strong competition to its peers, such as The Dow Chemical Company (DOW), Syngenta AG (SYT), The Scotts Miracle-Gro Co (SMG), BASF SE (BASFY).
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