Does GE change plant productivity?
Yes and no. Genetic engineering for virus resistance, herbicide resistance or insect resistance does not change the amount of food that the plant can produce. That is determined by the variety or hybrid being used. The difference in yield comes from fewer losses due to pests. For instance, corn with the Bt gene is only cost effective if there is a high level of insect infestation during the growing cycle. Additional yield can be realized because less mold grows during storage if the ears are undamaged. While increased productivity is the number one reason farmers use GE seeds, they also choose the crops for other benefits such as easier time management and decreased pesticide use (USDA, 2006).
