More scary mutations than genetic changes?

Last July, Monsanto withdrew its sale of genetically modified seeds with biotechnology in the EU, which paved the way for competitors to challenge Monsanto's market share.

Against genetically modified crops that have spread throughout Europe and the world, leading chemical companies including BASF and DuPont have turned to gene mutations - a technique that mimics trees' solar radiation - to create grass-resistant crops. Virtually none of the regulations, this technique creates opportunities for companies to expand the market share of the global commercial seed market worth $ 34 billion. But scientists say mutant plants are more likely to cause harm than genetically modified ones.

Genetic breakthrough plants are more likely to pose a health risk than genetically modified plants.(Photo: TLCK)

Non-new gene mutations: farmers have relied on this technique for decades to produce thousands of varieties of lettuce, oats, and other crops. The income of BASF's agricultural division increased by 27% in 2012 compared to the previous year, partly due to the demand for high-grade genetic mutations in Eastern Europe, according to the company's latest annual report. Jonathan Bryant, vice president of the global herbicide marketing strategy group at BASF, said: 'As a conventional breeding technique, gene mutation techniques are perfectly suited to a wide range of grain companies. like'.

All plant techniques can produce plants with increased levels of natural toxins or with proteins that cause allergic reactions. Reports from the National Academy of Sciences, representing the consensus of experts in the field, according to Business Week, suggest that the risk of genetic mutations is greater than any other technique, including genetic modification. Gene mutations destroy and rearrange hundreds or thousands of genes randomly, and reproductive mutations are less accurate than genetic mutations. The Academy has warned that restricting genetically modified crops while through mutant products is not scientifically proven.

Risks associated with gene mutations, according to the Academy, are a low incidence of food-borne diseases such as salmonella. BASF believes that mutant plants are safe for users and the environment. ' This is a technique used for decades without problems, no worries , ' Bryant said.

'Current regulations are a great incentive to go back and practice the old ways,' including gene mutations, Wayne Parrott, professor of plant science at the University of Georgia in Athens, said. Monsanto also used mutant varieties, said Robb Fraley, the company's technology director.