Farm Scale Trials
A new UK report, A novel approach to the use of genetically modified herbicide tolerant crops for environmental benefit", has claimed that growing GM sugar beet in the UK significantly increases the amount of wildlife in fields. The research was done by Brooms Barn Research Station and was part-funded by Monsanto, but "independently" assessed. It was based on modifying the herbicide regime for GM Roundup Ready sugar beet and claimed that later, more targeted spraying produced more weeds, hence more insects and eventually better response from bird populations. However, the data was very incomplete, and the timing of the herbicide application was absolutely crucial. It showed that early application resulted in an increased yield, but significantly less biodiversity improvement. Late application meant lower yields, but higher wildlife dividends.
