THE spread of insect resistance to the toxins in genetically modified crops
will not be slowed by encouraging pests to live in “refuges” of weeds around the
edges of farmers’ fields, say French scientists. The vulnerable insects that
live there just don’t mix with their resistant neighbours, the investigators
have found.
Bt maize produces a bacterial toxin that kills pests such as the European
corn borer. But if it’s used extensively, insects rapidly become immune to the
toxin. The solution in the US, where Bt maize is routinely grown, has been to
plant non-GM refuges near the modified plants. Insects…
