This website was created for Biology 361: Genetically Modified Organisms at Davidson College.by Mike Chase and Monica Siegenthaler

 

Developmental Trends

Permission pending from http://www.public.iastate.edu/~solsen/ vegetarian.html

Although big deal now, weed management will become a huge international industryin the near future. With a global population at 6 billion people that is predicted to increase to 11 billion by the year 2050, the demand for an increased yields and decreased labor costs will grow immensely. The concentration on economically viable weed management programs will help increase the food production systems all over the world (Tilman, 2002).
 

The idea of “solving world hunger” is a big issue. The creation of agricultural biotechnology has the potential to increase food production, reduce herbicidal chemicals, and make foods healthier and safer to eat. However, there are many critics that claim biotechnology will only hurt people and the environment. Transgenic crops pose the greatest threat to these critics and because the critics have the support of some governments right now, out ability to fight hunger in the next century may be hindered (Conko, 2002).

Unfortunately, there are tremendous pressures on governments to regulate new advances in agriculture. These regulatory pressures may inhibit the use of transgenic crops and more advanced herbicides. Another problem is the governmental controls placed on developing countries. Governments in these countries will create new methods for farming, or will adapt those created by other agro-scientists in developed countries. The new techniques used for farming will be created for farmers who must use them and therefore, the population will gain access to the new technologies. In the long run, there is poor retention of the technology and its workings in developing countries. The governments must work side by side with the individuals who will be using the technologies they are creating (Connor, 2002).

Other trends to watch for in weed management would include the increase of transgenic crops, occurrence of herbicide resistance, and the use of new supportive technology (global positioning systems). Any future trends must include the participation of the population involved with the planting. We must teach farmers to use the technology, not simply show them (Future Trends In Weed Management, 2002).

 

 

 

© Copyright 2002 Department of Biology, Davidson College, Davidson, NC 28035
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