this post was submitted on 29 Mar 2024
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MST3K

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[–] [email protected] 58 points 4 months ago (57 children)

This is what these non GMO types always seem to forget: we've been modifying the crap out of everything for the past thousands of years. We're now justuch more efficient and smart about it.

[–] [email protected] 11 points 4 months ago (1 children)

They always picture someone in a lab with syringes and special machines to "modify DNA". Most of the time it's just a couple of potted plants under a lamp and a cotton swab. For fruit trees, you're pretty much just replacing a branch with another branch. Tape and staples might be involved.

[–] [email protected] 10 points 4 months ago (41 children)

Genetically modified plants is very different from selective breeding. Selective breeding mimics the natural evolution process, removing natural selection and replacing it with human decisions.

Using a separate root stock from your fruiting trees isn't genetic modification or breeding. It's just taking desirable size features from a root stock and growing your desired fruit from that. It still remains two different plant, with two different DNAs. The fruit would produce a child of the fruit tree, the same as if it was grown from seed. If the root tree was allowed to flower it would create a seed the same as if it were never grafted.

GMO are an extremely useful technology. When well regulated and tested will help produce food for the growing world population. The big problems with it are the consequences of it. Plant have been modified to tolerate high doses of weed killer, pesticides and fertilisers. These all help increase the productivity of the land, but the impacts are terrible on the local environment. Residual weed killer and pesticide may pose a risk to human as well.

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[–] [email protected] 10 points 4 months ago

Made me think immediately about GMO and non-GMO anti-science scaredy cats.

[–] [email protected] 7 points 4 months ago (3 children)

Manufacturing gmo's is not the same thing as selective breeding

[–] [email protected] 8 points 4 months ago

You're right. It's far more precise, quick, and predictable.

[–] [email protected] 7 points 4 months ago (9 children)
[–] [email protected] 4 points 4 months ago

An arbitrary distinction based on timeline and ease of methodology

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[–] [email protected] 3 points 4 months ago

What's the difference?

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