Regarding the note by R. Chapin:
 
>Reading article by Barnaby J. Feder in business section of NY Times 11 Feb
>96, re. new products for farmers based on biotechnology.
>He writes: "Farmers are expected to happily pay premium prices for corn
 
I can't think that this development would be in any way negative in the near
term to beekeepers and has many very positive aspects recommending it.  The
technology in question involves inserting genes into these plants for
production of the toxic protein in the bacterial insecticide Bacillus
thuringiensis (Bt).  Plants such altered purportedly will resist various
caterpillar pests (notably European corn borer) that currently are treated
with various spray/granular treatments of insecticides - some of which are
very damaging to honeybees.   Bacillus thuringiensis protein-based
insecticides, either sprayed as an insecticide (e.g., Dipel, Thuricide...)
or in these new plants will not affect honeybees.  They have long been
recognized as being about the most honeybee compatible insecticides that exist.
 
That being said, I am extremely against the whole idea of using the Bt gene
in these transgenic plants.  Although the short term benefits may likely be
real, the serious risk is that when large acreages of Bt-toxin containing
plants are grown we will very quickly develop strains of insects that are
resistant to Bt.  Selective pressure will be extreme.  And we will then lose
forever this important and highly selective pest management tool.
 
Whitney Cranshaw
Department of Entomology
Colorado State University
 
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