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Farm-scale evaluation of GM crops explained

Nature volume 399, pages 727–728 (1999)Cite this article

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Sir

The first genetically modified (GM) crops being proposed for commercial planting in the United Kingdom have been altered to make them less sensitive to broad-spectrum herbicides. These crops are intended to allow more efficient weed management and herbicide regimes for the farmer, reduced frequency and quantity of herbicide applications, and increased market share for the suppliers. Work has now begun on farm-scale studies of maize and spring oil-seed rape, with winter oil-seed rape studies starting later this year. Many objections to GM crops have been raised, and there is pressure on farmers not to take part in this research programme (see Nature 398, 651–656; 1999). Indeed, one farm, near Swindon in the west of England, has recently withdrawn from the study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Merlewood Research Station, Grange-over-Sands, LA11 6JU, UK

    L. G. Firbank

  2. Institute of Arable Crops Research, Brooms Barn,

    A. M. Dewar & M. J. May

  3. Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Monks Wood,

    M. O. Hill & P. Rothery

  4. Institute of Arable Crops Research, Rothamsted,

    J. N. Perry & I. P. Woiwod

  5. Scottish Crop Research Institute,

    G. R. Squire

Authors
  1. L. G. Firbank
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  2. A. M. Dewar
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  3. M. O. Hill
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  4. M. J. May
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  5. J. N. Perry
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  6. P. Rothery
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  7. G. R. Squire
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  8. I. P. Woiwod
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Firbank, L., Dewar, A., Hill, M. et al. Farm-scale evaluation of GM crops explained. Nature 399, 727–728 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1038/21516

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