On the GM soybeans, the idea of being able to spray Round-up on the soybeans at any time, which would kill the weeds but not the soybeans, was sold to farmers as a way to reduce the amount of herbicide needed. This sounds great from a cost and environmental standpoint, why wouldn't you do it?!?!?
But then the pollen from the soybeans drifted into the fence row and pollinated the bean-family weeds there. Which through natural processes allowed them to also become resistant to Round-up. Which means we are now spraying more Round-up than we were before to kill the same weeds.
So we need to think about what we are doing, obviously. It is hard to see all possible outcomes on any proposed action.
But then the pollen from the soybeans drifted into the fence row and pollinated the bean-family weeds there. Which through natural processes allowed them to also become resistant to Round-up. Which means we are now spraying more Round-up than we were before to kill the same weeds.
So we need to think about what we are doing, obviously. It is hard to see all possible outcomes on any proposed action.