Quantcast
Mexican Maize Contamination Revisited PDF Print E-mail
Written by Kiki Hubbard   
Friday, 21 November 2008

Of all the contamination events involving genetically engineered crops, few have received more attention than a UC-Berkely study that brought to light contamination of indigenous Mexican maize varieties. The study was published in Nature magazine in 2001, and ignited so much controversy around its accuracy that Nature rescinded its support of the article, a decision that many believe was a result of industry pressure.

But new research shows that the Berkely researchers' findings weren't off base.

Last week, Nature published another study that identified contaminated "landrace" maize varieties in the Mexican heartland, this time by researchers at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. Nature reports that the study "largely confirms a similar, controversial result published in Nature in 2001 and may reignite the debate in Mexico over GM crops."

Transgenic varieties are currently not approved for commercial planting in Mexico, the center of origin for maize. Acknowledging this fact, the Mexican government banned the cultivation of transgenic maize in 1998 to protect the 60-some native varieties. This hasn't stopped contamination, however, since corn is imported to the country, most of which is genetically engineered, and some Mexican farmers illegaly plant transgenic seed.

Ensuring the genetic integrity of native seed is crucial to future research in the face of climate change. It's also important to sustaining a diversity of food sources. Evidence for contamination highlights an important question: do seed technologies have the right to exist at the expense of other varieties?

Source: Nature

Comments (16)Add Comment
0
erestreyt
written by Fake Ugg Boots For Sale, October 29, 2009
0
fake rolex watch
written by rolex replica, January 20, 2010
Above these goods really good, so beautiful jewelry!replica watches Really to be commended! Unfortunately, I have no money, He He. Otherwise I really bought"Magnificent", "Gum gee yuk yip", "True gold fears no fiery," "golden palace in books," "very strong"replica watchThere is a noble, time-delayed in ancient times left to shine; There is a wealth, status and power load across time and space.fake rolex watches You have a good typing speed soon yo!
0
http://www.m65jacket.com
written by m65 jacket, January 21, 2010
thanks a lot for the share
0
dfd
written by bags, March 01, 2010
thanks a lot for the share
0
...
written by MBT store, March 11, 2010
MBTs are a great tool for athletes. they improve post-workout recovery, reinforce proper posture, and help athletes engage muscles that are often neglected in traditional, sport-specific training.
0
respond this post
written by HOBBSWILLA31, April 06, 2010
According to my exploration, millions of people in the world get the mortgage loans from good banks. Thence, there is a good possibility to receive a auto loan in all countries.
0
...
written by Vibram FiveFingers, April 23, 2010
Wish you good luck
0
power balance
written by power balance, May 24, 2010
welcome to buy
power balance
bakugan toys
finger skate
0
...
written by ggbu, May 24, 2010
Doctors also point out http://www.saleuggsbootssite.com that wearing high heels hurt his knee, ankle, and even cause of pain
0
...
written by yjkk, May 24, 2010
Doctors also point out http://www.buyrealboots.com that wearing high heels hurt his knee, ankle, and even cause of pain
0
...
written by bjkk, May 24, 2010
and makes sure they will find the more benifit of the http://www.buyuglyboots.com than high heels.
0
...
written by jkkk, May 24, 2010
we will introduce http://www.b2bsaling.com for beauty girls and makes sure they will find the more benifit
0
nike shox
written by nike shox, June 01, 2010
lol ! very good ! thank you !
0
...
written by http://www.watcheslux.com, June 14, 2010
wondeful replica watches for you with low price but high quality, have a look!
0
http://www.engghd.com/
written by ghd ceramic straighteners, July 30, 2010
there are many kinds of corn. i like your blog. there is a site: http://www.engghd.com/
0
...
written by Air jordan shoes, August 16, 2010
Excellent reading, I must say. http://www.cmonc.com You’ve researched the topic very well. thanks for sharing

Write comment
smaller | bigger

security code
Write the displayed characters


busy
 
< Prev   Next >

Are you an Envirovore?

It's true what our moms said...we are what we eat. In fact, it's truer than they thought. What I eat doesn't just affect me anymore, it affects all of us.

Unfortunately, the story of food can sometimes be complicated. But envirovores help each other out...which is why this blog will be bringing you news, tips, and information about food and the environment every step of the way.

Weekly Updates

RSS

rss

Most Popular

Categories