CropsArea yield ( Million hectares)

Trait Producers Toxin Produced Target Insect Advantages Disadvantages

Corn Insecticidal Pest Resistance

US, Canada, Brazil, Spain, South Africa, Argentina

cry1Ab cry9c

Ostrinia nubilalis Less damage by Insects, viruses and bacteria Spread of new, more resistant "super pests” and “super weeds”

Cotton 18.8 (2012) Insecticidal Herbicide Resistance

US Brazil India Mexico China Australia Pakistan

cry1Ab cry1Ac cry2Ab

H.virescens H. zea S. Exigua

Herbicide will kill only weeds and not crops. Successfully repels the larvae of the principal predators of cotton, and all other larval insects trying to take a bite out of the cotton plant, eliminating the necessity for pesticide applications.

It affects all larval insects, so if there are any beneficial caterpillars, they will be killed too.

Tomato Insecticidal Delayed Ripening

US China

cry1Ab cry1Ac

H. virescens H. armigera

Can remain fresh longer they can be allowed to ripen in the sun before picking - resulting in a better tasting tomato.Can be shipped with less damage

Genetically modified tomatoes contain genes that made them resistant to antibiotics. Doctors and vets use antibiotics to fight infections. These genes spread to animals and people, doctors would have difficulties fighting infectious diseases.

Potato <0.1 (2001) High Starch Insecticidal

US Europe Canada

cry3Aa cry1Ab

Phthorimaea operculella

Heliothis armigera

High in nutrientsAbsorb less oil when fried

Harmful health risks: Can cause antibiotic resistance , may contain allergens and toxins & Taste of GMOs are not as good or "natural"

Rice Supplement of Iron Supplement od Provitamin A

China cry1Ab cry1B

Chilo supressalis Walker

C. medinalis

Reduction of sicknesses and illnesses, as GMO crops are more nutritious. Vitamins and minerals can be provided to children and to people, where they were inaccessible before (i.e.: the world’s poorest and/or most secluded areas).

Larger companies might have more political power. They might be able to influence safety and health standards (example: less stringent regulations, standards and requirements).

Canola 9.2 (2012) Supplement of Vitamin E US Canada Australia

Less herbicides and pesticides used Better weed control

Potential for herbicide resistance - Farmers cannot save seeds and will be penalized if they do soCanola oil was found to suppress the normal developmental increase in platelet count in piglets

Soy Beans

80.7 (2012) Insecticidal Herbicide Tolerance Production of Vaccines and Medicines

US Brazil Canada Argentina South Africa

cry1Ac H. virescens H. zea

Ability to generate useful vaccines and medicines that have the potential to treat human diseases on a cost-effective manner

Unforeseen risks and dangers due to the complexity of nature.Cross-pollination with traditional, organic plants. New genes may also be included in the offspring of the traditional, organic crops miles away. This makes it difficult to distinguish which crop field is organic, and which is not.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Genetically Modified Crops