GM Nitrogen Use Efficient Canola Will Benefit the Environment

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