More on plant testing

[Colin Miles]

In this week's New Scientist the Editor, in response to comments on the testing of GM crops has made the point about the need to also test conventionally-bred plants in the same way citing problems with potatoes, celery and parsnips. And looking at all the new varieties that appear each year in the catalogues I really wonder whether this is all just going too far? Apart from the question of food safety, until varieties have been tested under a wide variety of conditions over a number of years we don't really know if they are better. And although I enjoy the excuse of growing different varieties I ain't got enough room in my garden!

[Carole B.]

Perhaps it's just a sales pitch on all these 'new' varieties they keep on producing...a bit like ladies cosmetics! Or maybe they just want to control all plant life so nothing grows without permission...