|
|
 
|
Canadian government research links Roundup herbicide to wheat disease (Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2003 -- CropChoice news) -- From a news release:
Contact: Pat Venditti, Greenpeace Genetic Engineering Campaign, 416.597.8408, ext. 3017 or
Cell 416.450.2439
Toronto, ON- Agriculture and Agri-food Canada researchers
will release information next week that reveals a demonstrable
link between the use of glyphosate herbicide formulations and
increases incidence of fusarium head blight, a scourge of
Western Canadian farmers. Fusarium head blight produces a
toxin that makes infected wheat unsuitable for human or animal
consumption.
“These results indicate that the herbicides most widely used with
genetically engineered crops are partly to blame for increases in
the development of fusarium head blight,” said Pat Venditti,
Genetic Engineering Campaigner with Greenpeace Canada.
“This is one more reason why the government should deny
approval for Monsanto’s genetically engineered wheat.”
A decision on whether or not the government will approve
Monsanto’s genetically engineered Roundup Ready wheat is
pending. Roundup Ready wheat has been developed to
withstand applications of glyphosate herbicides. Glyphosate
herbicide formulations such as Monsanto’s Roundup herbicide
are widely used on cropland that has been planted with
genetically engineered seeds such as Roundup Ready canola, or
Roundup Ready soya.
Last week, the CBC revealed that Agriculture and Agri-food
Canada stands to gain financial benefits from Monsanto if
Roundup Ready wheat is sold commercially.
“The research being done by researchers at AAFC Swift Current
is the type research that is needed prior to any GE crop release,”
said Mr. Venditti. “The Minister should take this into account
and clearly reject Monsanto’s application for the environmental
release of GE wheat. Farmers, not Monsanto, should benefit
from the farm policy of the government.”
An abstract of the study “Identification of crop production
factors associated with the development of Fusarium head blight
in spring wheat in southeast Saskatchewan” is available on the
web at http://www.umanitoba.ca/afs/agronomists_conf/program.html
The study results will be released Wednesday, December 10th,
in Winnipeg. | |
