A Meta-Analysis of the Impacts of Genetically Modified Crops

By Wilhelm Klümper, M. Qaim. PLoS ONE, 2014

797 citations recorded by the source corpus.

Background Despite the rapid adoption of genetically modified (GM) crops by farmers in many countries, controversies about this technology continue. Uncertainty about GM crop impacts is one reason for widespread public suspicion. Objective We carry out a meta-analysis of the agronomic and economic impacts of GM crops to consolidate the evidence. Data Sources Original studies for inclusion were identified through keyword searches in ISI Web of Knowledge, Google Scholar, EconLit, and AgEcon Search. Study Eligibility Criteria Studies were included when they build on primary data from farm surveys or field trials anywhere in the world, and when they report impacts of GM soybean, maize, or cotton on crop yields, pesticide use, and/or farmer profits. In total, 147 original studies were included. Synthesis Methods Analysis of mean impacts and meta-regressions to examine factors that influence outcomes. Results On average, GM technology adoption has reduced chemical pesticide use by 37%, increased crop yields by 22%, and increased farmer profits by 68%. Yield gains and pesticide reductions are larger for insect-resistant crops than for herbicide-tolerant crops. Yield and profit gains are higher in developing countries than in developed countries. Limitations Several of the original studies did not report sample sizes and measures of variance. Conclusion The meta-analysis reveals robust evidence of GM crop benefits for farmers in developed and developing countries. Such evidence may help to gradually increase public trust in this technology.

Subfields: Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Plant Science

View Paper: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/d3d85c18184cfc30a01679ad58a000111e69393d

How researchers see this paper

The researchers whose trusted networks rank it highest, strongest advocate first. Every researcher gets a different order.

In Biotechnology

1. S. Naranjo
2. M. Owen
3. Jörg Romeis

In Molecular Biology

1. M. Meissle
2. S. Naranjo
3. Jörg Romeis
4. A. Shelton
5. G. Fitt
6. B. Campbell
7. M. Owen
8. Navin Ramankutty

In Plant Science

1. Jörg Romeis
2. M. Meissle
3. S. Naranjo
4. A. Shelton
5. G. Fitt
6. Rodomiro Ortiz
7. M. Owen
8. E. Bennett

Citations in the corpus

• Genetically engineered crops help support conservation biological control (2019, result): “Recently, the technology has been applied to eggplant for protection against the eggplant fruit and shoot borer (Leucinodes orbonalis, Lepidoptera: Crambidae) (Hautea et al., 2016).”
• A review on biological interactions and management of the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) (2021, background): “Although GMO crops typically increase yield and profit for the farmer (Klümper & Qaim, 2014; Qaim & Kouser, 2013), many consumers have an adverse view towards GMOs, which can limit the available markets for the produce (Klümper & Qaim, 2014).”
• Agriculture production as a major driver of the Earth system exceeding planetary boundaries (2017, positive): “Research also shows that transgenic crops reduced chemical pesticide use by 37% while increasing both yields by 22% and farmer profits by 68% (Klümper and Qaim 2014).”
• Diverse Approaches to Herbicide-Resistant Weed Management (2016, background): “Despite the problem of GR weeds, there are many positive features of GE crops (Klümper and Qaim 2014).”