Since first being commercialized in 1996, transgenic maize expressing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) proteins has gained widespread acceptance in the world. In 2013, nearly 50 Mha of Bt maize were planted in 15 countries. In the same year, growers in the USA alone planted c.30 Mha of Bt maize, which...

Throughout history ethanol production played an integral role in sustaining most societies. Fermentation of grains to produce ethanol, i.e. beer, was a major factor in stimulating the beginnings of agriculture. However, grains for bread and beer are now being diverted to the production of ethanol...

This chapter uses recent changes in US intellectual property (IP) laws in the plant and seed industry as well as key agronomic differences between maize and soyabeans to analyse firm decision making of whether to patent their technologies or keep trade secrets. By modelling how companies would...

Crops genetically modified to produce crystal (Cry) toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for insect control can reduce reliance on conventional insecticides. Evolution of resistance to Bt toxins by insect populations is the primary threat to the continued success of this approach. Resistance of...

This chapter examines the economic effects of the different policy responses from the EU regarding the introduction of genetically modified (GM) crops in other regions. Some light is shed on the different regulatory systems in Brazil, China, the EU and the USA. This picture is supplemented by some...

This chapter compares trade patterns for Canada and the USA in oilseed rape, maize, and soyabeans by specifically examining the value of exports in these products. Data have been gathered from the 1990-96 period, prior to the commercialization of GM crops. This is compared with the...

DGGE (denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis), sequencing of selected bacterial species, and non-parametric multivariate ecological analysis methods were used to examine host plant control of phyllosphere microbial community diversity and to explore how that role interacts with direct and indirect ...

The biological, psychological, social and cultural perspectives of food choice are discussed within a historical context (in USA). Also, the integration of biological, psychological and cultural factors in food choice is illustrated using 5 specific foods, viz. chocolate, chilli pepper, maize, milk ...

Aflatoxins are extremely carcinogenic secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus flavus when this fungus invades crops such as maize, cotton, tree nuts and peanuts. Adverse health effects from the ingestion of these toxins have caused regulatory agencies throughout the world to limit the amount...

Results are presented of experiments conducted during 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000 in Indiana, USA, to develop a sampling programme for adult Western corn rootworm (WCR) in the maize/soyabean rotational system and to establish an economic injury level and an economic threshold based on WCR adult...