Author : Peczon, Benigno D.

Summary : In December 2002, the Philippine Government approved the commercial planting of genetically modified corn. This corn called Bt corn has built-in resistance to infestation by the Asiatic corn borer. Before December 2002, the Asiatic corn borer was a major problem in corn production. Since the borer resides inside the plant, it cannot be easily controlled by insecticide sprays. In cases of heavy infestation, up to 80 percent of the crop has been reported to have been lost. With Bt corn, the corn produced is unlikely to contain aflatoxin, because the kernels are not attacked by corn borers. Aflatoxin is a by-product of molds which grow on kernels damage by borers. It has been identified as one of the most potent carcinogens or cancer-inducing agents.