GM Plants Leach Their DNA into Our Soil

If you are one of the 85-90% of consumers who want clear labeling of all genetically engineered foods you will be appalled to hear of another danger of GM plants. There is a strong possibility that GM crops can cause our soil to become infertile and unusable. This ecological nightmare is worse than toxic waste and even nuclear pollution because after a period of time those compounds break down. When genetically engineered plant lose their leaves and seeds their DNA is being left behind in the soil which leads to something called, "Horizontal gene transfer".

Horizontal gene transfer is the process in which an organism incorporates its genetic material to another organism without being the offspring of that organism. This effects over 1,000 species of microorganisms. In only one gram of fertile soil there can be over 100 million microorganisms including bacteria, fungi protozoa, algae, earthworms, nematodes and insects. The relationship between these microorganisms is complex and somewhat difficult to decipher but we do know there is an ecological interdependence between all soil organisms. Together these microorganisms are responsible for the decomposition and restructuring of organic material into fertile soil.

There is evidence of horizontal gene transfers in our soil as well as the gastrointestinal tract. In fact, genetic engineering is based on facilitating horizontal gene transfer between species since they transfer material from animals to plants and vice versa. To do this effectively they must use a vector. The vector breaks down the barriers that exist between species. The process of inserting DNA is done quite randomly and can damage normal genes. This process is likely to result in side effects and accidents.

The vectors of choice in genetic engineering are commonly pathogenic bacteria and viruses. The use of these vectors can cause new cross-species viral pathogens that are inherently unstable and are prone to recombination, making them virtually unstoppable in the real world. The dangers of using genetically engineered viruses as vehicles could lead to dangerous new diseases. If that weren’t scary enough, where these genes are inserted is also of great importance since the positioning in the pattern of genes can lead to unpredictable changes in genetic functioning. Horrifying results of this are seen in the mutations of animals that have been used in genetic experiments gone terrible wrong.

The transfer of genetic material between species not only occurs between bacteria and fungi but can also include higher organisms such as mammals. It is not difficult then to understand that this transfer of genetic material is only one hop away from man. It has already been suggested that this transfer process may have contributed to the emergence of new human pathogenic bacteria within the last 15 years.

To make matters worse, the DNA that is released from plants is not easily broken down within the environment. GM genes can survive for a long time, especially when adsorbed into solid particles such as sediment in the soil. The half-life of DNA (the time for half of the DNA to be broken down) in soil is 9.1 hours in sandy soil and 28.2 hours for a clay soil. That is plenty of time to transfer DNA to another organism. DNA is not only released when a cell dies but is actively secreted by living cells as well. In nature, diversity promotes longevity within species and the fertility of soil. It is through the uniting of unrelated organism that the diversity of the soil will suffer a cumulative loss.

Another problem is that GM seeds are designed to withstand high doses of pesticides and herbicides which buildup in the soil and are harmful to soil insects that contribute to soil fertility. Where GM crops are planted again and again their DNA is left behind. GM DNA has even been found where these crops were not planted. All it takes is for leaves or seeds to blow in the wind.

Another issue is in the creation of the super weed. This weed will be resistant to toxic chemicals. Companies like Monsanto will then develop more toxic chemicals that these weeds have not yet found immunity for. A seemingly, never ending cycle to create stronger herbicides, overloading our soil and water table with a cesspool of carcinogens that will inevitably find their way to organic farms everywhere. Within a few years, it may almost be impossible to find natural food sources. As they say, ‘you can’t put the genie back in the bottle’.

Monsanto, would have you believe that GM foods pose no health risks and that there is no substantial difference between these plants and the plants in nature. One does not need to be a rocket scientist to understand that this type of gene manipulation could never occur naturally in nature. This is not like selective breeding. After all, when would a fish and a tomato get together?

Act Now!

We all need to stand strong on this issue before it’s too late. Genetically engineered food has been introduced without regard to our health and safety. The damages of GMO’s are irreversible. We must act now to protect all future generations and ourselves. GM foods must be banned and immediately. Until that happens we must boycott GM foods by buying organic foods whenever possible. We must write congress, the FDA, and anyone else that will act, on our behalf. We must insist on clear labeling of all foods that contain even one genetically altered ingredient. If we don’t stop them we will soon be living in a world that even science fiction writers cannot imagine.