Nairobi, Kenya
June 26, 2007
Source:
BharatTextile.com via
Meridian Institute
Food Security and Ag-Biotech News
Kenya's National Biosafety Committee (NBC) and the
Kenya Agricultural Research
Institute (Kari) have recommended the introduction of a new
genetically modified (GM) cotton seed called Bollgard II, which
is offered by U.S.-based agriculture technology company Monsanto
and, according to the article, is anticipated to reduce up to 32
percent of farmers' production costs by eliminating the need for
pesticides required for growing conventional cotton.
Researcher Charles Waturu said
that Bollgard II releases the same chemicals commercial
anti-bollworm sprays, reducing the need for broad-spectrum
insecticides that can have negative effects on the natural
enemies of cotton pests.
The article says that NBC-approved
field trials of Bollgard II aim to determine the efficacy of the
plant's genes on lepidopteran worm and to evaluate the impact of
the plants on benign and beneficial species of plants and
insects.
The full article can be viewed
online at
http://www.bharattextile.com/newsitems/2004506 |
