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Study: France
A study conducted by the Association Générale des Producteurs de Mais compared crop yields between farmers of genetically modified (GM) and conventional crops in France.32 The study found that farmers are realizing significant benefits from insect-protected crops such as YieldGard Corn Borer corn.
The increase in average yield for genetically modified corn in France
reaches 1,150 kilograms per hectare above the yield attained
with conventional varieties.
For several years, France has seen an increase in the aerial pests attacking corn, including webworm and Mediterranean corn borer. Pest attacks can hinder circulation of nutrients to the developing cob and create an increased risk of crop lodging, with losses of up to 30 percent of the harvest.
The authors report that, under such conditions, GM insect-protected corn yields 1,150 kilograms per hectare more than untreated conventional varieties, worth an additional $140 (98€) per hectare. Gains can exceed 3,000 kilograms per hectare in areas of high infestation.
The authors also point out that because of its high effectiveness against boring insects, YieldGard Corn Borer corn removes the gateways for opportunistic fungi to attack, improving the sanitary quality of the grain. Insect-protected corn showed a 58 percent reduction of mycotoxins in plots most at risk, and a 45 percent reduction in plots with the fewest insect attacks.
