Discuss6 marksChallenge
The table below shows the average yield (kg per hectare) of GM insect-resistant cotton and non-GM cotton over three growing seasons, along with the number of pesticide applications per season.
| Season | GM cotton yield (kg/ha) | Non-GM cotton yield (kg/ha) | Pesticide applications on GM | Pesticide applications on non-GM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3200 | 2500 | 1 | 4 |
| 2 | 3400 | 2600 | 1 | 5 |
| 3 | 3500 | 2700 | 2 | 6 |
Using the data and your knowledge of other examples of genetic engineering in food production (including herbicide-resistant soybeans and GM salmon), discuss the potential benefits and the ethical and social implications of using genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food production.