In this article the author addresses the growing concern over the risks of genetically
modified crops and the possible environmental effects that these plants may have in the future.
Presently most genetically modified crops fall into two main categories; those which are
resistant to insect pests because they produce their own toxins, and those which can tolerate a
wide range of weed-killing herbicides in place of harsh pesticides designed to target specific
species. Benefits of genetic modification vary from crop to crop, but generally, GM plants
respond to milder forms of pesticides and often do not need to be sprayed as often as ordinary
plants. As a result, the amount of pesticide residue that runs off into nearby groundwater and
streams may be decreased, or at least less potent.
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