TO INVESTIGATE ON A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED SEEDS (GMO) AND CONVENTIONAL SEED : 3 RICH CASES YOU MUST KNOW TODAY
Environmental contention-
Today farmers use conventional seeds and add fertilizers. Fertilizers might help in increasing yield in the short run, but in the long run it will tamper the soil quality which spoils the crop, moreover, they are made of non-renewable resources and hence they change the nature of the soil, either too basic or too alkaline.
It is also said that during rainy weather, it can cause leaching and the solution will get mixed into lakes, rivers and then seas, causing eutrophication.
Extensive practice of fertilizers might lead to the formation of cadmium and arsenic substances which is lethal and toxic and can be present in the fruits and vegetables, prolonged usage can also cause a change in Ph level and hence the microbial system.
Whereas Genetically modified seeds or GMO seeds claim to be safer and have a higher yield. India is a country where the agricultural sector contributes the most for its GDP, using fertilizers and spoiling the crop can have a major impact on the economy as well as the health of the people.
It is claimed that the use of Genetically modified seeds or GMO seeds can reduce our dependence on fertilizers and pesticides which will make the crops and soil safe and will cause sustainable development at the local level.
Research Question
To what extent does the use of Genetically modified seeds or GMO seeds (Triticum aestivum) reduce the dependence on fertilizers for an increased rate of growth in the given soil sample?
Local issue –
Farmers in India have suffered the most and it is high time that we need to think of sustainable methods of farming, with the advent of new technology we must also make sure that the agricultural sector of India is uplifted.
Background
In a nation of more than 550 million farmers who are to a great extent poor and uneducated and the agribusiness showcasing inefficient wasteful business practices, green revolution acted as the salvager for farmers, with introduction of higher yielding variety (HYV) seeds, large scale agriculture began to take place.
Since 1962, scientists have been looking for methods through which yield can be maximized, in the 1980s the scientists began researching about genetic modifications and found a method to input desired traits in the plants, for example- opium plants which do not impact the soil, tomatoes that will be fresh for months before use, it was claimed that these seeds can replace fertilizers. However genetically modified seeds we highly criticized and were disregarded for routine use.
However, it was never scientifically proven that these seeds can be harmful, this study will investigate the impact of Genetically modified crops and will also determine their impact on the growth of the plants, hence this research will identify whether GMO seeds are a feasible solution for the long run or not. By the end of the research, we will also be able to determine if Genetically modified seeds or GMO seeds can be economical as well as ecological alternatives to the conventional seeds.
Hypothesis
Use of Genetically modified crops increases agricultural productivity and reduces the dependence on pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Reduced efforts and increased productivity make it commercially viable to use on arable lands in India, moreover, it will help in preventing loss of nutrients from the soil and has the potential to control farm runoff.
Genetically modified seeds or GMO seeds or crops also address the need for adding desired traits in the plants which lead plants being unaffected from pests or plants which can be prevented from rotting.
This experiment will help in determining the requirement of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and will also cover the advantages of having desired traits in the plants in order to classify Genetically modified seeds or GMO seeds of the incomparably highest quality of seeds available while also anticipating its short comes and identifying if reliance on Genetically modified seeds or GMO seeds will reduce the dependence on chemical fertilizer.
Variables
| Experimental variables | Named variable | Reason |
| Independent variable | Type of the seeds, type of the fertilizers, | If they vary all the readings will be inconsistent and blemished. |
| Dependent variable | Germination, the rate of growth | To see if Genetically modified seeds or GMO seeds also require the use of fertilizers. |
| Manipulated/controlled variable | Type of seeds | To avoid discrepancies, if any. |
| Responding variables | growth and yield | The main measure of plant growth is growth and yield. |
Risk Assessment
Use of chemical fertilizers which is primarily made up of non-renewable sources can destroy the soil quality and cause a change in pH of the soil, leading to hindrance in the microbial ecosystem.
Fertilizers have the ability to supply nutrients to the plant but they damage the entire soil ecosystem. Repeated use of such fertilizers might lead to a toxic buildup of arsenic and cadmium etc. in the soil that might be present in the fruits or vegetables.
Safety Measures
- Use of gloves, glasses and lab coat
- Use of clean apparatus, and washing the apparatus after the use.
- Storing in a cool and dry atmosphere
- Proper disposal of fertilizers, thus avoiding the risk towards the environment
Methodology
Data for the above research was found mainly through primary research backed up and verified by secondary sources of research which includes agricultural magazines like ‘Farm and food’, ‘Kisaan Ki awaz’, Daily mails like ‘Krishi Jagran’, Library and reliable internet sources.
Primary research interview of Farmers and Agricultural consultants, this accommodates a questionnaire and further reassure and cross-examine the research.
Apparatus
Table-1- apparatus used
| Sr. No. | Materials used | Quantity |
| 1 | Plastic beaker (500ml) | 10 |
| 2 | Soil (Loam soil) | 220gm |
| 3 | Conventional wheat seeds | 300 seeds |
| 4 | Genetically modified wheat seeds | 300 seeds |
| 5 | Fertilizer | 50gm |
| 6 | Ruler (30cm) | 1 |
| 7 | Measuring Tape/ yardstick | 1 |
| 8 | spoon (2gm) | 2 |
| 9 | Digital weighing scale (Microscale) | 1 |
| 10 | Camera | 1 |
Procedure
Note– Lab and outdoor practical activities were followed using the following steps, all safety measures stated above were followed.
- Collect loam soil from the site chosen then put them in plastic-receptacles.
- For collecting the soil: (The same process is repeated for all the cases stated below)
i.Use a soil sample probe, an auger or a spade.
ii.Confirm that the apparatus is either Stainless steel or chrome plated.
iii.Precaution: The utilization of metal, bronze, or galvanized tools Could contaminate soil sample containing copper and zinc.
iv.Collect and divide them into 10 different plastic beakers of size 500ml, adding 250gm of soil in each.
v.Add 100ml water and let it soak, the soil will be ready in 5 minutes.
Case 1 –
- Take the soil sample in ten different plastic beakers
- Take 100 genetically modified wheat seeds and 100 conventional wheat seeds.
- Take 5 cases of genetically modified seeds and 5 cases of conventional wheat seeds and sow 20 seeds in each.
- Water them for 2 days
- Note down the readings for both the cases separately.
Case 2 –
- Take the soil sample in ten different plastic beakers
- Take 5 cases of genetically modified seeds and 5 cases of conventional wheat seeds and sow 20 seeds in each.
- Add fertilizers in conventional seeds a well as Genetically modified seeds or GMO seeds mark them separately.
- Water them for 2 days
- Note down the readings for both the cases separately.
Case 3 –
- Take the soil sample in ten different plastic beakers
- Take 5 cases of conventional seeds and sow 20 seeds in each case.
- Add the fertilizer in conventional seeds
- Water them for 2 days.
- Note down the readings for both the cases separately, consider readings of case one for Genetically modified seeds or GMO seeds without fertilizers.
Data Collection
I tried to identify the average rate of germination growth rate of the plant and collected from reliable internet sources and agro-magazines like “kisaan ki aawaz”. For primary and lab research I took multiple trials and compared growth of Genetically modified seeds or GMO seeds and conventional seeds using wheat seeds (Triticum aestivum). Qualitative measures were perceived by observation.
Raw Data of the experiment
The tables below show the data found during the experiments. 5 trials were taken to avoid potential errors. In case-1, I sowed 20 seeds in each of the cases and watered them for 2 days and then I noted the readings. In case-2, I added fertilizers in both the seeds and watered them for 2 days, while in case-3, I took only conventional seeds and added fertilizers in all the cases.
Case 1: Measuring natural growth rate in conventional seeds as well as in Genetically modified seeds or GMO seeds. (no fertilizers used in this case)
Table-2&3 – Raw data table
| Case 1 – Conventional seeds | ||
| Trial no. | germinated seeds | average height of the plant (in cm) |
| 1 | 9 | 12.5 |
| 2 | 11 | 14.7 |
| 3 | 8 | 10 |
| 4 | 7 | 12.5 |
| 5 | 14 | 15.7 |
| Average | 9.8 | 13.08 |
| Case 1 –Genetically modified seeds or GMO seeds | ||
| Trial no. | germinated seeds | The average height of the plant (in cm) |
| 1 | 16 | 15.5 |
| 2 | 16 | 16.7 |
| 3 | 17 | 10 |
| 4 | 12 | 16.5 |
| 5 | 14 | 14.7 |
| Average | 15 | 14.68 |
Case 2: Measuring growth rate with fertilizers in conventional seeds as well as in Genetically modified seeds or GMO seeds. (fertilizers used in both the case) Table-3&4 – Raw data table
| Case 2 – Conventional seeds | ||
| Trial no. | germinated seeds | Average height of the plant (in cm) |
| 1 | 11 | 14.5 |
| 2 | 13 | 16.7 |
| 3 | 11 | 13 |
| 4 | 9 | 17.5 |
| 5 | 16 | 11.7 |
| Average | 12 | 14.7 |
| Case 2 – Genetically modified seeds or GMO seeds | ||
| Trial no. | germinated seeds | average height of the plant (in cm) |
| 1 | 17 | 15.5 |
| 2 | 18 | 18.7 |
| 3 | 17 | 16.9 |
| 4 | 13 | 14.5 |
| 5 | 18 | 19.7 |
| Average | 16.6 | 17.06 |
Case 3:Measuring growth rate with fertilizers in conventional seeds
Table-5 – Raw data table
| Case 3 – Conventional seeds | ||
| Trial no. | germinated seeds | The average height of the plant (in cm) |
| 1 | 15 | 16.5 |
| 2 | 14 | 17.7 |
| 3 | 17 | 18.9 |
| 4 | 18 | 15.5 |
| 5 | 17 | 15.7 |
| Average | 16.2 | 16.86 |
Graphical representation of Data
The raw data accessible above, has been processed and is epitomized in graphical manner-
Average height of plants and yield in each case –
Processed data
Qualitative Data
In conventional seeds, even after constant watering and use of fertilizer, I was able to see some microbial(fungal), growth, while in Genetically modified seeds or GMO seeds without any use of fertilizer, no microbial growth took place.
Data Analysis
The average height of plants of conventional seeds with natural growth (without any fertilizer) is 13.9cm while for Genetically modified seeds or GMO seeds in the same environment was 16.72cm moreover in the conventional seeds, germination was low, on average out of 20 only 9.8 seeds germinated in conventional seeds while 15 seeds germinated when Genetically modified seeds or GMO seeds were used.
To further identify, if use of Genetically modified seeds can replace use of fertilizers, I compared the growth of Genetically modified seeds or GMO seeds with natural growth and conventional seeds with fertilizers where I found that the average height of the plants in conventional seeds with fertilizers was 16.86 which is very close to natural growth of GM seeds.
Hence after multiple trials and cases it can be said that genetically modified seeds have better plant growth and yield as compared to conventional seeds even if they use fertilizers, though yield while adding fertilizers in the Genetically modified seeds or GMO seeds increases it is not worth small growth and yield as compared the costs involved, not just economical costs but ecological costs also rise.
Conclusion
In conclusion it can be said that Genetically modified seeds or GMO seeds can really help in reducing dependence of the people on fertilizers, farmers use fertilizers due to unawareness, in some areas people don’t know about the harmful effects of fertilizers on the crop and the soil, while in others they either don’t know about Genetically modified seeds or GMO seeds or they consider it as dangerous.
In my research I found that conventional seeds have comparatively very low yield and low growth rate. Indian economy runs on agricultural sector, though government today aims to focus on tertiary sector, the reality is that more than 25% of our Real-GDP comes from agricultural sector. Aiming to expand into tertiary sector, we need to make sure that the foundation of our economy is strong.
Evaluation
Genetically modified seeds or GMO seeds can possibly take care of many malnutrition and ailing health issues on the planet, and also help to secure and save the nature by increasing germination rate and decrease dependence upon fertilizers but, it is critical to continue with vigilance to stay away from troublesome ramifications for the environment wellbeing of our society.
It is said that there are potential advantages and disadvantages to these items, which we need to adapt as we further innovate. Farmers can likewise peruse a concise Data sheet to acquaint yourself more with their indicated advantages and issues. Hence, The farmers will be educated about these seeds and the manner in which they can influence the yeild.
Application
It is said that India is technologically backward, however with basic secondary research, I found that India does not lack technological advents, but the awareness of their existence. A country like India which has such arable lands and weather conditions, spoiling our own potential by using fertilizers, pesticides etc. is an act of xenophobia. It’s high time government bodies, agricultural ministries respond to it and create awareness about Genetically modified seeds or GMO seeds and make people understand that they possess less costs and have high benefits.
Bibliography
- Ayres, Crystal. “27 Big Advantages and Disadvantages of Genetically Modified Foods.” ConnectUS, 3 Aug. 2018, connectusfund.org/27-big-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-genetically-modified-foods.
- Fertilizers and Their Use – Ut. utbfc.utk.edu/Content Folders/Forages/Fertilization/Publications/PB1637.pdf.
- “Gm Seeds: Latest News, Photos, Videos on Gm Seeds.” NDTV.com, www.ndtv.com/topic/gm-seeds.
- “IB ESS | Science Sauce Online: A Source for Free Flipped Learning Lessons.” Science Sauce, sciencesauceonline.com/ibess/.
- “What Are the Disadvantages of Using Fertilizers?” Reference, IAC Publishing, www.reference.com/home-garden/disadvantages-using-fertilizers-fabd0bda6817eebb.
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