Today we’ll talk about GMOs, which has obviously been a hot topic over the past few years. Obviously, we’ll focus on GMOs as they pertain to cotton.Let’s start at the most basic level: GMO is the acronym for a Genetically Modified Organism, which means that specific genes have been spliced into the DNA of the organism. Animals, plants, and microorganisms can be genetically modified. Ultimately, two genes are inserted into the plant’s DNA.
What’s the First Gene?
One gene is the Bt gene, which is a gene from bacteria that is resistant to pesticides. This bacterium has long been sprayed on plants as a pesticide before it was spliced into the plant DNA. The Bt-containing bacteria are natural and are even approved as a pesticide for growing organic cotton. There is also an environmental positive: since the farmer can use fewer pesticide applications, there is less runoff into creeks and streams.
What’s the Second Gene?
The second gene is from bacteria that are found in the soil. It was discovered when there was a spill of Roundup, the well-known herbicide. During the clean-up they found the concentration of Roundup decreasing, and they found that bacteria were eating it. This gene was inserted into the cotton plants, which ultimately made them “Roundup Ready.” Farmers can now control the weeds with Roundup, and the resistant cotton plants are unaffected.
How Much Cotton Comes from Genetically Modified Cotton (GMO) Seeds?
Today, over 95% of the cotton worldwide is grown from genetically modified (GMO) seeds. Therefore, unless you are buying non-purified or purified organic cotton it is grown from genetically modified plants.
The seeds have the genes spliced into their DNA to give the plants resistance to herbicides (so you can spray for weeds without killing the plants) and a natural resistance to pests. These are good for the environment in that less of these are needed. It also lowers soil and water contamination, saving the farmer time and money.
Does Purified Cotton Contain GMO Material?
Cotton Incorporated conducted tests to determine what effect purification has on GMO-grown fibers. The non-purified cotton was tested and the genetically modified DNA was present in the fiber. The fiber was purified and no DNA or genetically modified or non-modified DNA were found in the fibers.
So the takeaway is that non-purified cotton contains GMO DNA, while the purifying process used by Barnhardt does not.Therefore, purified cotton may be grown from GMO seeds, but after purification it is free of genetically modified material.
Thank you Sister.Let me know is there any effect of GMO DNA on the skin of the man.Some years back our people from Gujarat state had experienced
the itching sensation when they wore fabric made out of such cotton
It is interesting to know that GMO DNA is present on the fiber of cotton.Why do you want to purify such cotton.Are they causing any health hazards particularly to skin or enter into our system .Kindly let me have your views on this
Hi, Dr. Sundaramurthy,
We are glad you found our blog post and we appreciate your great questions!
Seed for a large percentage of the US cotton crop is from GMO seed. The seed has been engineered to be more drought tolerant and also to be more insect resistant.
We Purify cotton to remove oils and waxes and any other substances that may have attached to the fiber (including the GMO DNA) during the growing process. We also purify the cotton to make it absorbent for many applications as the cotton fiber is nonabsorbent prior to our purification process. Purified cotton is used in feminine hygiene products, medical products, dental products and consumer products commonly used on the skin. As such it is important that the cotton is in its purest form without bacteria, fungi or other undesirables.
We hope this answers your questions. Should you have additional questions, please feel free to contact us.
For the love of Cotton,
-The Barnhardt Natural Fibers Group