For centuries farmers have had problems keeping their crops from succumbing to pests. In the last few years a genetically engineered corn that contains a toxin protecting it from pests has been created. It includes a gene from the micro-organism Bacillus thuringiensis, Bt. In Bloomington, Indiana, parts of the toxic corn are washing into nearby streams, killing a type of fly that is eaten by much the aquatic life. This is a major downside to the transgenic corn. These flies are not only a major food source, but they help control the algae population in the area. Thursday, February 26, 2009
Transgenic Corn - It keeps pests away, but what effect does it have on the ecosystem?
For centuries farmers have had problems keeping their crops from succumbing to pests. In the last few years a genetically engineered corn that contains a toxin protecting it from pests has been created. It includes a gene from the micro-organism Bacillus thuringiensis, Bt. In Bloomington, Indiana, parts of the toxic corn are washing into nearby streams, killing a type of fly that is eaten by much the aquatic life. This is a major downside to the transgenic corn. These flies are not only a major food source, but they help control the algae population in the area. 
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