March 2017
Up until now, genetic engineers have successfully provided
us with crops full of weedkillers which may be toxic to humans too, and crops
full of insecticides which may be toxic to humans too, and crops full of
multiple varieties of both which are even more likely to be toxic to
humans. However, the claimed extra GM
crop yield needed to feed the world has been elusive.
The basis of all the food supply for all
animals (including humans) is the ability of plants to photosynthesise, that
is, to use the energy in sunlight to build sugars using carbon dioxide gas from
the air and water from the soil.
Biotech scientists trying to boost crop yields have focused
on 'improving' photosynthesis, but the biochemical pathways involved are
dynamically regulated in the plant and are highly complex, too complex so far
for meaningful human intervention.
A new approach aimed at 'improving' photosynthesis
indirectly, and funded by the Gates Foundation, has been quick to announce a
successful proof-of-concept field-trial in the scientific and popular press.
