How is Genetic Modification Used to Solve Pests in Corn Crops

Problem

Fig. 1: Insect pests attacks and destroys 

corn crop (http://www.farminguk.com/News/

A-new-pest-for-maize-farmers_8439.html)

The problem is that insect pests kill corn crops, as shown in Fig. 1. Pests such as Black Cutworm  (Agrotis upsilon), True Armyworm (Pseudaletia unipuncta), Corn Flea Beetle (Chaetocnema pulicaria), Corn Earworm (Helicoverpa zea), and many more ("Insects and Pests of Field Crops: Corn Insects and Pests", omafra.gov.on.ca, section 1, 2, 3, 7)

These insects destroy crops and as a result, the safety and productivity of the affected corn crops are compromised. Insects can cause corn to wilt, rot, and make it unsafe to consume. Pests can also lower the efficiency of corn crops, because if crops are destroyed, they cannot be harvested, and therefore it becomes a useless waste. 

Different pests feeds on corn crops at different times of the year (spring, summer, autumn, winter) and there are so many species of pests to cause corn crop damage all year round. These damages might seem minimal and harmless, but collectively it heavily impacts the quality as well as quantity of corn produced. This is a huge concern because corn is one of the staple foods that the world needs in order to sustain itself, feeding over 34 billion bushels of corn per year to feed its population (2013, "How much corn do we consume?", marketwatch.com, paragraphs 4 and 5) This is why corn crops are so essential, and this is why we need to fix this global pest problem in corn crops.

Solution

Genetic modification can be used to solve pests in corn crops. Genetically Modified Organisms are organisms whose genes have been artificially modified, by taking genes from one organism and inserting that gene to another possibly entirely foreign organism (as illustrated in Fig. 2 below). This process is also known as genetic engineering or modification, because it involves "engineering" an organism, modifying it to fit the scientist's specification. These said organisms can be any living thing, consisting of both plants and animals. 

Fig. 2: Genes injected into corn through a syringe,
as an example of how genetic modification process happens
(http://chriskresser.com/are-gmos-safe)

In the past, artificial breeding was done, and scientists used this method to pass down a desired trait from a parent to the offspring. However, this method was unreliable, as the results were not guaranteed. Therefore, scientists created a process that we now call genetic modification, to produce what we now know as genetically modified organisms. This process results in organisms that contains carefully selected traits, which are selected by humans in order to produce a more consistent and overall better organism, for various purposes  such as farming, business, health ("What Is GMO", seedsofdeception.com, paragraphs 1, 2 and 5). 

We can use this method to solve pests in corn crops by altering corn’s genes to make it resistant to pests. A gene called The Bt delta endotoxin is inserted to corn crops, because it is effective against insects and caterpillars in particular. By putting this gene into corn crops, scientists are able to control the pests on these corns (Ric Bessin, "Bt-CORN: WHAT IT IS AND HOW IT WORKS", 2.ca.uky.edu, paragraphs 2, 4 and 5). In short, genetic modification in corn crops involve inserting a gene called Bt (as seen in Fig. 2), which makes crops resistant to pests and therefore can make it safer, more consistent, and have an overall better quality.

Benefits

• Genetic modification has it's great share of benefits. One of the biggest benefits of genetically modifying an organism is it's very efficient for farming, and for producing good crops. Genetic modifying is good for producing more crops, lower price for foods, better quality of crops, less pesticides, and therefore has a greater food safety (Susanna De Sousa, "Genetically Modified Organisms", socialactive.wordpress.com, section 1 paragraphs 2, 3 and 4). Genetically modified corn crops are safer and have a better quality, because it is not destroyed by pests (as shown in Fig. 3 below). This have a positive effect on the body because we are not eating potentially harmful destroyed corn crops.

• Genetic modifying has made it possible for various plants to be superior. In addition, genetically modified organisms are more efficient, and more crops can be harvested. Since with genetic modification less corn crops are affected by pests (as seen in Fig. 3 below), more corn can be harvested. Corn affected by pests has to be thrown away and wasted, so with less pest means greater corn production ("what are the benefits of GMO corn", livestrong.com, section 1 paragraph 1, section 2 paragraph 1) What is the significance for higher production of crops? The importance is that this allows prices for food to be lower, and has a positive effect in regards to the economy.

Fig. 3: the difference between Standard non-GMO corn vs Modified GMO corn is apparent, GMO corn is much more consistent and has a superior quality (http://info.abcr.com/Blog/bid/333639/Who-s-afraid-of-the-GMO-Valid-concerns-or-food-safety-bogeymen)

Limitations

• Genetic modifying triggers some ethical and religious issues to emerge, and many are trying to stop it because of their own reasons. However, most reasons concern genetic modifying with animals, which does not concern our particular range of research. Most people think that it is not right to toy with the natural occurring world, and that genetic modification is primarily trying to revamp the human nature itself. This is related to the fact that ‘altering’ nature can cause imbalance in the natural ecosystem, because affecting the gene of one organism can cause it’s surrounding environment to be affected as well. ("The Disadvantages of GMO Sweet Corn", healthyeating.sfgate.com, section 5 paragraph 1) 

• Another limitation of genetically modified corn is that it’s effect on human’s health are not determined yet. ("Peer Review of GMO Safety Studies Finds Significant Flaws", gmo-awareness.com, section 1 paragraphs 1 and 2). Since the genes in corn are not natural, it may trigger allergies in some. In addition, genes from allergenic organisms can be transferred to corn too, causing more allergies. In addition, the toxicity of Bt gene is not determined yet. In humans, it showed no problems, but a group of scientists did a research on rats, and it hugely affected their immune system (as shown in Fig. 4 below). If the same effect goes to humans, it can cause a fatal damage to human’s system and health ("The Disadvantages of GMO Sweet Corn", healthyeating.sfgate.com, section 2 paragraph 1, section 3 paragraph 1, section 4 paragraph 1).

  
  

  Fig. 4: Affect of GMO corn on rat's health, tumor growth in rats as a result of toxicity of GMO corn.
  (http://foodmatters.tv/articles-1/gm-corn-linked-to-cancer-tumors)

Ethical Issues

There are some ethical issues in regards to genetic modifying that can affect the success of this method. Firstly, genetically modifying an organism means changing the natural world, and raises some religious concerns such as 'playing god'. In addition, a large portion of genetically modified organisms are not labeled properly, and therefore people are not aware of what they are consuming. Some religions like Jews are only allowed to consume what is from God, and Buddhists are not allowed to consume any form of toxic (which might be present in GMO). Most religions also believe in making harmony of the natural world, not trying to change it or alter it in any way. By not properly labeling GMO foods, religious beliefs are being violated without the person even realizing, which is unfair and terrible ("Your spiritual right to GMO labeling", naturalnews.com, paragraphs 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7). This also raises more ethical issues not only because people deserve to know what they are putting in their bodies, but also because they might be allergic to GMO (because GMO can cause allergies and health issues too). 

Furthermore, companies that sell GMO foods are corrupted, and they make GMO foods just for economical purpose. A company called Monsanto, one of the largest and most well known GMO producer is highly corrupt. This company lies about GMO being safe, causes negative agricultural impact, and uses corrupt methods in order to gain more profit ("10 Reasons Why Monsanto Is Corrupt from Its Core", seattleorganicrestaurants.com, entire article). These ethical issues give a bad reputation to GMO, and revolts people from consuming genetically modified organisms. This can hugely affect the success of this method because people are the consumers of GMO, and without the people supporting this method, it will all be a waste of time, money, and effort. If people were to buy normal corn as supposed to GMO corn anyways, then GMO corn is useless in that scenario. Demand equals to production, so if nobody demands for GMO products, then they will stop producing GMO products and GMO corn would be a failed method in that case. It is very important to get people's support by eliminating any ethical and religious concern in regards to GMO corn, to ensure that all the scientific research and effort in regards to this method will be successful and not go to waste.

Bibliography:

• "10 Reasons Why Monsanto Is Corrupt from Its Core." 10 Reasons Why Monsanto Is Polluted and Corrupted from Its Core. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Oct. 2014. <http://www.seattleorganicrestaurants.com/vegan-whole food/Monsanto-corruption-gmo.php>.
• "Bt-CORN: WHAT IT IS AND HOW IT WORKS." Bt-CORN: WHAT IT IS AND HOW IT WORKS. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Oct. 2014. <http://www2.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ef130.asp>.
• "The Disadvantages of GMO Sweet Corn." Healthy Eating. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Oct. 2014. <http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/disadvantages-gmo-sweet-corn-9024.html>.
• "GMO Defined." GMO Awareness. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Oct. 2014.
• "How Much Corn Do We Consume?" The Tell RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Oct. 2014. <http://blogs.marketwatch.com/thetell/2013/03/07/how-much-corn-do-we-consume/>.
• "Insects and Pests of Field Crops: Corn Insects and Pests." Insects and Pests of Field Crops: Corn Insects and Pests. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Oct. 2014.<
• "Militarism as a Cause of World War I." Alpha History. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Oct. 2014. <http://alphahistory.com/worldwar1/militarism/>.
• "NaturalNews." Your Spiritual Right to GMO Labeling. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Oct. 2014. <http%3A%2F%2Fwww.naturalnews.com%2F040761_spiritual_rights_gmos_food_freedom.html%23>.
• "Peer Review of GMO Safety Studies Finds Significant Flaws." GMO Awareness. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Oct. 2014. <http%3A%2F%2Fgmo-awareness.com%2F>.
• "What Are the Benefits of GMO Corn?" LIVESTRONG.COM. LIVESTRONG.COM, 16 Aug. 2013. Web. 20 Oct. 2014. <http://www.livestrong.com/article/254564-what-are-the-benefits-of-gmo-corn/>.
• "What Is GMO?" Seeds of Deception. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Oct. 2014. <http://seedsofdeception.com/what-is-gmo/>.

Limitations of Genetically Modified Corn

Original Paragraph:

Allergic ResponsesOne of the major disadvantages of GMO corn is its potential to trigger allergies. First, genetic material from a potentially allergenic food may be transferred to corn, also transferring the allergenic properties. Secondly, genetic modification alters the actual DNA of the corn. This process introduces new proteins into the food supply that are not naturally present, opening the door for a new allergy to be developed. 

Toxicity
Proponents of GMO corn claim that the Bt toxin is destroyed in the intestinal tract and is harmless to humans. However, a study published in "Life Sciences" in 1999 found that when Bt was given to mice, it caused a significant immune response. Additionally, when scientists insert genetic material into the DNA of an organism, it is done at random. Each random insertion creates the possibility for a new toxin to be formed, turning a safe food into something hazardous. Unfortunately, there are no long-term studies to either prove or disprove the safety of GMOs. 

Environmental Impact
GMO sweet corn also has a potentially negative impact on the environment. GM plants can cross-pollinate with nearby crops, making organic farming difficult. Cross-pollination has eliminated a large portion of heirloom varieties of corn and could contaminate wild plants as well. Crops with built-in pesticides can also affect aquatic plants and wildlife through contamination of nearby streams.

Key Ideas: 

• GMO corn potential trigger allergies
• Genetic material from allergenic food transferred to corn, transferring allergenic properties
• Genetic modification alters DNA of corn, introducing proteins that not naturally present, opening door for new allergy to be developed.
• A study in 1999 found Bt caused significant immune response when given to mice
• Random insertion of DNA creates possibility for new toxin to be formed, turning safe food into something hazardous
• GMO corn also has potentially negative impact on environment
• GM plants can cross-pollinate with nearby crops, making organic farming difficult
• Cross-pollination eliminated large portion of heirloom corn and could contaminate wild plants as well.
• Crops with built-in pesticides can effect aquatic plants and wildlife through contamination of nearby streams

Source: "The Disadvantages of GMO Sweet Corn." Healthy Eating. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Oct. 2014. <http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/disadvantages-gmo-sweet-corn-9024.html>.

Genetically Modified corn has it's limitations. Firstly, it can trigger allergy responses. This is because genetically modified corn contains genes from another organism, which could be an organism with allergenic properties. These allergenic properties can be transferred and cause the same effect to the person with allergies. In addition, the DNA in corn is altered when it is modified, so proteins that usually aren't present might appear, making a new allergy. Furthermore, GMO corn can raise some safety concerns. A gene called Bt is transferred to corn to make it resistant to pests. However, this gene is what we consume, and a study in 1999 showed that Bt caused a serious effect on mice's immune system. This means that GMO corn can cause a potentially negative effect on human's health too. Lastly, GMO corn can have a negative impact to the environment. Genetically modified plants can cross-pollinate to nearby plants, which causes the surrounding environment to be mutated. Genetically modified plants can also effect marine creatures, because it's mutated genes can be carried through neighboring water torrents.

How is genetic modification used to solve pests in corn crops?

First and foremost, what is genetic modification?

Genetically Modified Organisms are organisms whose genes have been artificially modified, by taking genes from one organism and inserting that gene to another possibly entirely foreign organism. This process is also known as genetic engineering or modification, because it involves "engineering" an organism, modifying it to fit the scientist's specification. These said organisms can be any living thing, consisting of both plants and animals. In the past, artificial breeding was done, and scientists used this method to pass down a desired trait from a parent to the offspring. However, this method was unreliable, as the results were not guaranteed. Therefore, scientists created a process that we now call genetic modification, to produce what we now know as genetically modified organisms. This process results in organisms which contains carefully selected traits, which are selected by humans in order to produce a more consistent and overall better organism, for various purposes (farming, business, health). Nonetheless, as with everything else, genetic engineering has it's benefits and limitations, which has caused various divergent opinions to arise concerning health, economy, and ethics.

Genetic modification has it's great share of benefits. One of the biggest benefits of genetically modifying an organism is it's very efficient for farming, and for producing good crops. Genetic modifying is good for producing more crops, lower price for foods, better quality of crops, less pesticides, and therefore has a greater food safety. Genetic modifying has made it possible for various plants to be superior.  For instance corn is engineered to be more resistant to pests (insects that destroy crops). Plum is genetically modified in order to make it resistant to virus (plum pox virus). Canola is altered to make it's fatty acid content higher, hence causing a higher nutritional value. Genetic modification also enables crops to be more consistent and have an overall steady quality. In addition, genetically modified organisms are more efficient, and more crops can be harvested. What is the significance for higher production of crops? The importance is that this allows prices for food to be lower, and has a positive effect in regards to the economy.

Despite the current benefits of genetically modified organisms, there are some things that can be improved in the future. For example, the longterm effects of consuming genetically modified organisms are not verified yet. Altering the genes of an organism can cause transmutation in the organism's growth rate, metabolism, and various different disorders, which results in deformities. This means that food produced from these sources are not guaranteed to profit your health, defeating one of the initial purposes of modifying genes. Genetically modified organisms are present in various forms, including processed foods (byproducts of GMO includes tofu, bread, infant formula, etc). In addition, genetically modified organisms are fed to livestock such as cows and chickens, thus resulting their byproducts to contain traces of these altered genes as well. Meat, milk, cheese, eggs, and various other foods are made from these sources, ergo these foods are not certified to be nutritious nor salubrious.

                   

Genetic modifying triggers some ethical and religious issues to emerge, and many are trying to stop it because of their own reasons (as seen above). Essentially, genetic modifying raises concerns in regards to animal ethics, as it manipulates with animals. In most religions, it is believed that humans should be treasured and not exploited, what about animals? Some are alarmed by the harm genetic modifying causes to animals. That is because when animals are altered, their growth rate and body composition becomes incompatible, making it difficult for them to live healthy, decent lives. Animals are bred and genetically modified for the mere use of human consumption and satisfaction, which opposes many's views of ethics. Furthermore, others also think that it is not right to toy with the natural occurring world, and that genetic modification is primarily trying to revamp the human nature itself. 

"Horizontal gene transfer of pesticide, herbicide, or antibiotic resistance to other organisms would not only put humans at risk, but it would also cause ecological imbalances, allowing previously innocuous plants to grow uncontrolled, thus promoting the spread of disease among both plants and animals. Although the possibility of horizontal gene transfer between GMOs and other organisms cannot be denied, in reality, this risk is considered to be quite low. Horizontal gene transfer occurs naturally at a very low rate and, in most cases, cannot be simulated in an optimized laboratory environment without active modification of the target genome to increase susceptibility (Ma et al., 2003)."

• Horizontal gene transfer of pesticide, herbicide, or antibiotic resistance to other organisms would put humans at risk, cause ecological imbalances, allow plants to grow uncontrolled, and spread diseases among both plants and animals.
• Horizontal gene transfer among organisms are common, but the risk of things going wrong is quite low
• Horizontal gene transfer occurs naturally, and cannot be simulated in a lab without active modification of the target genome, to increase susceptibility.

Gene transfer regarding resistance of pesticide, herbicide, and antibiotics have negative effect on humans. In addition, it also creates imbalance to the ecosystem, causes plants to grow uncontrollably (cannot stop), and spreads diseases amongst various organisms. However, these negative effects rarely happens, and the risk for anything going wrong is relatively low. Horizontal gene transfer is a natural occurring process that happens, although rarely, and it cannot be imitated in a lab (unnatural environment), if not modified by genes, in order to activate the process

Sources:

• BBC News. BBC, n.d. Web. 05 Oct. 2014. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/ethics/animals/using/biotechnology_1.shtml>.
• "Genetically Modified Organisms (by Susanna De Sousa)." Social Active. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Oct. 2014. <http://socialactive.wordpress.com/2013/02/24/genetically-modified-organisms-by-susanna-de-sousa/>.
• "GMO Defined." GMO Awareness. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Oct. 2014.
• "GMO Defined." GMO Awareness. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Oct. 2014. <http%3A%2F%2Fgmo-awareness.com%2Fall-about-gmos%2Fgmo-defined%2F>.
• "Nation of Change Creates Awareness Campaign About GMO Producer Monsanto." AZGREEN MAGAZINE RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Oct. 2014. <http://azgreenmagazine.com/wordpress/2012/03/nation-of-change-creates-awareness-campaign-about-gmo-producer-monsanto/>.
• "Nation of Change Creates Awareness Campaign About GMO Producer Monsanto." AZGREEN MAGAZINE RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Oct. 2014. <http://azgreenmagazine.com/wordpress/2012/03/nation-of-change-creates-awareness-campaign-about-gmo-producer-monsanto/>.
• Nature.com. Nature Publishing Group, n.d. Web. 05 Oct. 2014. <http://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/genetically-modified-organisms-gmos-transgenic-crops-and-732>.
• "Who's Afraid of the GMO? Valid Concerns or Food Safety Bogeymen?" Who's Afraid of the GMO? Valid Concerns or Food Safety Bogeymen? N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Oct. 2014. <http://info.abcr.com/Blog/bid/333639/Who-s-afraid-of-the-GMO-Valid-concerns-or-food-safety-bogeymen>.