Seeds for the future : the impact of genetically modified crops on the environment /

This is one of the few books to offer an assessment of the potential benefits and risks of genetically modified (GM) crops, written by a proponent of the technology. Thomson (Univ. of Cape Town) outlines the history of GM crops in developed and developing countries and provides an overview of current worldwide status. She compares methods of conventional breeding to the production of GM crops. The author makes a considerable effort to describe the potential impact of GM crops and evaluate their positive and negative effects on environmental safety. The book discusses a wide array of crops, including those engineered for insect resistance, herbicide tolerance, virus resistance, and drought tolerance. It evaluates key issues, including the effects of GM crops on biodiversity and the potential impact of pollen spread. Thomson describes the current systems of biosafety regulation, along with intellectual property issues, trade issues, and the international Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety; she outlines new products in development and their potential impacts. Overall, this is an excellent summary of the scientific information that has accumulated on GM crops, written in a style palatable to laypeople. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels. J. Hancock Michigan State University

The future of agricultural viability, not only in emerging nations but also in environmentally challenged major food-producing countries, may reside in the mainstream acceptance of genetically modified crops. With legislators and agronomists alike struggling to understand the overwhelming technical elements of such a complex subject, the jury is still out on how beneficial such manipulation will eventually be vis-a-vis the unknown risks to humans, wildlife, and the environment. In this sequel to her well-received Genes for Africa (2004), molecular geneticist and food researcher Thomson lays out the case for the merits of such scientific intervention in crop production while simultaneously addressing the likelihood for even more disastrous ecological damage through the potential proliferation of herbicide- and pesticide-resistant plants. Examining such diverse issues as intellectual property rights and DNA uptake, Thomson's prudent approach offers a thorough consideration of the environmental, economic, and ethical effects of genetic modification, making this critical reading for members of the scientific community and concerned consumers. --Carol Haggas Copyright 2007 Booklist

Genetically modified (GM) crops and their impact on native species, the environment, and human health have been topics of international debate for many years. Thomson (microbiology, Univ. of Cape Town, South Africa) attempts to put the issue in perspective with a clear and objective scientific explanation of genetic engineering and its role in producing disease-, weed-, insect-, virus-, and drought-resistant soybean, maize, canola, cotton, beets, bananas, cassava, potatoes, and other crops providing higher yields and making healthy food available to millions of people. Thomson is candid about the risks and the legal and trade issues, but she argues that these are minor concerns when compared with the benefits that GM crops have brought to the developing world. Her scholarly, important work, written in simple language, is well documented with references to scientific literature and practical examples. Although intended for an agricultural audience, it should be read by all who want to get beyond the debate to a lucid understanding of GM crops and their place in modern biotechnology.-Irwin Weintraub, Brooklyn Coll. Lib., NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.