Why isn’t genetic control included in SERC’s sample IPM legislation?
A. The intent of SERC’s sample legislation is to reduce all pesticide use. Including plants that are pesticide-tolerant or insect-resistant in IPM does not necessarily reduce the need for pesticide use. In fact, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has expressed concern that herbicide-resistant plants might actually foster dependence on herbicides. SERC did not include genetic controls in its sample legislative language due to the highly controversial nature of genetic engineering as well as our understanding that not all IPM programs consider genetic control a legitimate component of IPM. Each state will have to decide this issue for itself. To find out more about the concerns expressed by the USDA, read their May 2000 report: “Genetically Engineered Crops for Pest Management in U.S.
