From: Brian D Williams (talon57@well.com)
Date: Wed Aug 28 2002 - 13:54:08 MDT
I am still reading my way through "Natural Capitalism" and in the
chapter on agriculture came across some interesting information.
As far back as 1997 there were already 7 known species of insect
pest that were becoming resistant to Bacillus Thuringienis toxins.
(The BT in biotech corn)
It seems likely that insects huge gene pool, quick evolution, and
very short reproductive cycles will "out develop" biotech
designers, at least as far as toxins are concerned.
But this gave me an idea for those looking to promote biotech. It
should be a simple matter to use adaptive evolution techniques to
develop strains of Monarch butterflies for example, with high BT
resistance. This may also develop "naturally" in due course.
I continue to be amazed by this book.
Brian
Member:
Extropy Institute, www.extropy.org
National Rifle Association, www.nra.org, 1.800.672.3888
SBC/Ameritech Data Center Chicago, IL, Local 134 I.B.E.W
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