Science Questions

Are fast-growing GM plants weaker?

Are fast Growing GM plants weaker than their non-GM equivalent? Paul Anderson

We put this question to Professor Jonathan Jones:

Well usually, they don’t grow a lot faster.  They're just more disease resistant.  So you’ll have less losses.  So if your roots aren’t eaten by corn rootworm for example, they’re actually stronger because they can take in more water.  The roots are not removed from the equation, so the water harvesting from the soil. Both for the plant, is more efficient.

June 2009