In the last 10 years the number of weed populations resistant to an array of herbicides has increased. So, although chemical application was designed to combat weeds, the continual emergence of new herbicide resistant weeds demonstrates that herbicide technology is only temporarily effective. The escape of herbicide resistant genes from crops to their wild relatives will create new weeds and disrupt ecosystems. Aside from the continued use of chemicals, my biggest concern is the genetic pollution of natural populations with engineered genes. The escape of herbicide resistant genes from crops to their wild relatives will create new weeds and disrupt ecosystems.
Genes have mobility.
They move from organism to organism of the same species during reproduction. Encapsulated in pollen grains, they drift in the spring breeze and coat the bodies of insects. Pollination is promiscuous business. Wind-dispersed pollen lands indiscriminately on all kinds of plants. Pollinating insects visit many species of flowers, not just one.