GM crops can reduce use of broad-spectrum chemical herbicides. Which option best states this?

GM crops can reduce use of broad-spectrum chemical herbicides. Which option best states this?

• A. Increases pesticide use
• B. Reduces herbicide use
• C. Eliminates all pests
• D. Increases soil erosion

Answer: (B)

Genetic modification that gives crops herbicide tolerance or pest resistance enables more efficient weed and pest management, often allowing a broad-spectrum herbicide to be used in a targeted way without harming the crop. This can reduce the total amount of broad-spectrum herbicides needed across a field, because weeds are controlled more effectively and fewer different chemicals are required. Therefore, the statement that GM crops can reduce the use of broad-spectrum chemical herbicides is best captured by 'reduces herbicide use.' The other ideas—increasing pesticide use, eliminating all pests, or increasing soil erosion—don’t fit this scenario because they don’t reflect the potential for lower herbicide input associated with herbicide-tolerant or pest-resistant GM crops.

Genetic modification that gives crops herbicide tolerance or pest resistance enables more efficient weed and pest management, often allowing a broad-spectrum herbicide to be used in a targeted way without harming the crop. This can reduce the total amount of broad-spectrum herbicides needed across a field, because weeds are controlled more effectively and fewer different chemicals are required. Therefore, the statement that GM crops can reduce the use of broad-spectrum chemical herbicides is best captured by 'reduces herbicide use.' The other ideas—increasing pesticide use, eliminating all pests, or increasing soil erosion—don’t fit this scenario because they don’t reflect the potential for lower herbicide input associated with herbicide-tolerant or pest-resistant GM crops.