What Are the Ecological Impacts of Plant Biotechnology?

Biotechnology is viewed by many scientists and the public as a solution to a potential food supply crisis in the coming decades; however, debates about the use, ethics, and the effectiveness of genetically engineered crops are now growing in intensity. This Figure Set guides students through the interpretation of some of the data collected so far to inform discussion about genetically engineered plants. Plant biotechnology involves the manipulation of living organisms, particularly their genetic material. Currently, important crops, such as corn and soybeans, are grown using genetically engineered seeds. These crops are often designed to withstand insect and weed infestation (in some cases by engineering higher tolerance to chemical pesticides and herbicides), thrive despite poor growing conditions, or possess enhanced nutritional value. The popularity of biotech plants rests on the idea that they will produce higher and more stable yields than non-biotech plants, but long-term evidence has not been gathered.