United Kingdom
April 11, 2008
Source:
CropBiotech Update
A study conducted by scientists
from the University of Reading in the UK show that growing
genetically modified nitrogen use-efficient (GMNUE) canola will
benefit the environment. Planting GMNUE canola can reduce the
impacts of climate change, freshwater ecotoxixity, acidification
and eutrophication (increase in nutrient content leading to
oxygen scarcity).The scientists used a partial life-cycle
assessment adapted to crop production to evaluate the effect of
GMNUE canola. They considered the entire production system to
produce one ton of canola, including extraction of raw
materials, processing and transportation.
When compared to conventionally bred varieties, growing GMNUE
canola leads to energy saving of 22 percent. The scientists
estimated that, based on the current 8.5 million tons of canola
being grown in Canada, conversion to GMNUE canola in the country
would reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 170,000 tons. The
introduction of the GMNUE trait in India and China, countries
that account for more than 40 percent of the world's rapeseed
crops, has the potential to significantly increase energy use
and thus reduce green house gas emission.
Read the full paper at
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1467-7652.2008.00323.x
|
|
