Researchers Confirm Bt Corn's Benefits Aside from Pest Resistance
February 27, 2013| |
It turns out that maize hybrids expressing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt corn) is not just a pest resistant crop, it also has significant agronomic benefits. This is the result of the study conducted by the researchers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Particularly, Bt corn was found to increase grain yield and nitrogen use.
For two years, the researchers conducted experiments by growing conventional and Bt corn applying five different amounts of nitrogen. The study found out that the insect resistant corn had higher yields than its conventional counterpart (nearly 21 bushels per acre) and more easily tolerated low nitrogen levels. The study further emphasized the role of biotechnology in promoting sustainable and resource use efficient maize production to feed a growing world population.
Access the full journal article at https://www.crops.org/publications/cs/abstracts/53/2/585.
| |
Biotech Updates is a weekly newsletter of ISAAA, a not-for-profit organization. It is distributed for free to over 22,000 subscribers worldwide to inform them about the key developments in biosciences, especially in biotechnology. Your support will help us in our mission to feed the world with knowledge. You can help by donating as little as $10.
-
See more articles:
-
News from Around the World
- There's Need to Set Time Frame for Hunger, Poverty Eradication; FAO Director General Claims
- Lebanon to Become 165th Party to CPB
- 1st Bio-Innovate Regional Scientific Conference in Ethiopia
- Oregon State University Develops High Yielding, Stripe Rust Resistant Wheat
- Paraguay Approves New Biotech Soybean Variety
- Genetic Diversity of Capsicum Peppers Revealed
- CIMMYT Inaugurates Biosciences Facilities in Mexico
- Food Science Expert Says GM Crops are Overregulated
- CIMMYT Launches Project to Develop Heat Resilient Maize for South Asia
- Philippine Rice Research in the Spotlight as the Country's President Visits IRRI
- India's Agriculture Minister Supports Field Trials of GM Crops
- CropLife Pakistan Forms Biotech Committee
- Britain's Egg Producers Call to Lift GM Ban
- Scientists Develop Healthier Barley
- Scientists Call for New Regulations for "Growing" Medicines in Plants
-
Research Highlights
- Impact of the ahas Gene and of Imazapyr Herbicide on Soil Microbial Communities
- Researchers Confirm Bt Corn's Benefits Aside from Pest Resistance
-
Beyond Crop Biotech
- Fluorescent Tadpoles Expose Chemical Contamination
-
Announcements
- ISAAA International Conference: Adoption of Biotech Crops in the Developing World
- National Symposium on Abiotic and Biotic Stress Management in Vegetable Crops
-
Resources
- Book: Successful Agricultural Innovation in Emerging Economies
- Proceedings on Agribiotech Communication in Muslim Countries
-
Read the latest: - Biotech Updates (May 2, 2024)
- Gene Editing Supplement (April 24, 2024)
- Gene Drive Supplement (February 22, 2023)
-
Subscribe to BU: - Share
- Tweet