Menu
19/01/2005
GM crop has environmental benefits, claim scientists
Scientists have claimed that the controversial genetically- modified herbicide tolerant (GMHT) crop technology, could have possible environmental benefits.
The research, conducted by scientists from the Broom's Barn search Station 2, claims that new crop management approaches could resolve concerns about indirect environmental effects of GM sugar beet on weeds, insects and birds.
The research claims that improved timing of herbicide application to maximise both crop yields and the benefits from leaving weeds between crop rows, would help to obtain wildlife benefits in spring. However, the researchers said that in order to gain more important autumn environmental benefits (because autumn weeds provide seeds for bird food and also for recharging weed seedbanks), they had developed a system that gave maximum crop yield and increased weed availability. The scientists said that using this system increased weed availability by up to 16 fold, compared with previous GM or conventional management systems, tested in the government's recent Farm Scale Evaluation trials.
The researchers described the new system as "extremely simple", saying that its process of applying the first spray fairly early and omitting the second spray, would help save on additional costs and pesticide, compared to more conventional practices.
Commenting on the new research, Dr John Pidgeon, director of Broom's Barn, said: "This work adds a new perspective to future discussions about the benefits from GMHT sugar beet that the public, environmentalists and farmers should all be interested in."
(KMcA/SP)
The research, conducted by scientists from the Broom's Barn search Station 2, claims that new crop management approaches could resolve concerns about indirect environmental effects of GM sugar beet on weeds, insects and birds.
The research claims that improved timing of herbicide application to maximise both crop yields and the benefits from leaving weeds between crop rows, would help to obtain wildlife benefits in spring. However, the researchers said that in order to gain more important autumn environmental benefits (because autumn weeds provide seeds for bird food and also for recharging weed seedbanks), they had developed a system that gave maximum crop yield and increased weed availability. The scientists said that using this system increased weed availability by up to 16 fold, compared with previous GM or conventional management systems, tested in the government's recent Farm Scale Evaluation trials.
The researchers described the new system as "extremely simple", saying that its process of applying the first spray fairly early and omitting the second spray, would help save on additional costs and pesticide, compared to more conventional practices.
Commenting on the new research, Dr John Pidgeon, director of Broom's Barn, said: "This work adds a new perspective to future discussions about the benefits from GMHT sugar beet that the public, environmentalists and farmers should all be interested in."
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 September 2004
Study shows benefits of bank account benefits
Independent research published today shows that 90% of people prefer having benefits put directly into a bank account, according to a Downing Street spokesperson. The Direct Payment system is now on track to reach 85% of pensioners, mothers, carers and jobseekers by April 2005.
Study shows benefits of bank account benefits
Independent research published today shows that 90% of people prefer having benefits put directly into a bank account, according to a Downing Street spokesperson. The Direct Payment system is now on track to reach 85% of pensioners, mothers, carers and jobseekers by April 2005.
13 November 2012
Inflation Rose In October
The UK's inflation rate rose to 2.7% in October, up from 2.2% the previous month, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The rise is being attributed to an increase in tuition fees and food prices. The ONS said education costs rose by 19.1% last month after the government lifted the cap on university fees.
Inflation Rose In October
The UK's inflation rate rose to 2.7% in October, up from 2.2% the previous month, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The rise is being attributed to an increase in tuition fees and food prices. The ONS said education costs rose by 19.1% last month after the government lifted the cap on university fees.
13 April 2005
New research highlights possible health benefits of aspirin for over-50s
People aged over 50 could benefit from taking a dose of aspirin every day, new research has claimed. The research, conducted by the College of Medicine at Cardiff University, has suggests that one in four heart attacks and strokes could be prevented if those aged fifty and over took aspirin every day.
New research highlights possible health benefits of aspirin for over-50s
People aged over 50 could benefit from taking a dose of aspirin every day, new research has claimed. The research, conducted by the College of Medicine at Cardiff University, has suggests that one in four heart attacks and strokes could be prevented if those aged fifty and over took aspirin every day.
25 September 2003
Beckett 'reflects' on mounting dissatisfaction with GM foods
Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett has said that she will "reflect carefully" on the findings of the public debate on GM foods. The findings of the consultation reveal that more than half of those surveyed were against the introduction of GM crops.
Beckett 'reflects' on mounting dissatisfaction with GM foods
Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett has said that she will "reflect carefully" on the findings of the public debate on GM foods. The findings of the consultation reveal that more than half of those surveyed were against the introduction of GM crops.
30 March 2012
Decline In Honeybees Linked To Pesticides
It has been shown for the first time that common crop pesticides seriously harm bees by damaging their renowned ability to navigate home.
Decline In Honeybees Linked To Pesticides
It has been shown for the first time that common crop pesticides seriously harm bees by damaging their renowned ability to navigate home.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A dry and sunny start but cloud bubbling up with a few showers developing from late morning. Sunny intervals and scattered showers in the afternoon, these could be heavy at times. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Remaining cloudy with a few showers continuing through the evening. Some drier, clearer spells in the early hours, before cloud builds and showers turn more persistent towards dawn. Minimum temperature 4 °C.
