| Two main traits that have been introduced into genetically modified crops that are currently on the market, viz., herbicide and insect resistance, likely affect pesticide use on these crops. Various surveys have been carried out, such as those of the USDAERS and NCFAP, comparing the pesticide use on genetically modified versus conventional crops. Environmental indicators for pesticides may aid in comparing the outcomes of such assays in terms of environmental impact. Previously we applied one indicator, the Environmental Impact Quotient, to pesticide-use data for commercial biotech crops from a recent survey by NCFAP and found that, by this method, the impact paralleled the decreased use of pesticides. The output of many environmental indicators, while... |
