Editor:
James Terrel's column ("Butterfly Marks Limit", June 4) draws a number of conclusions related to agriculture, but lacks in perspective. This is unfair to the vast majority of the public, which is totally unfamiliar with the tradeoffs involved in farming.
The scientist who performed the butterfly study (Losey) was recently interviewed on NPR radio (5/21). When asked, he pointed out that spray insecticide was a greater threat to caterpillars than BT corn pollen. Indeed, Losey's study cites a 44% caterpillar kill rate, yet commercial insecticides have a near 100% kill rate -- not only for caterpillars, but also to bees and other insects. Further, BT spray (used on organic farms) is toxic to caterpillars, and can be sprayed all season, beyond just a few weeks of pollination. In addition, it was recently reported (New Scientist Magazine, 05/29/99) that organic BT spray can kill mice, and harm humans. Do most people know this when they buy organic produce? Where is the news headline, "Organic Farming Kills Butterflies and Mice"?
Finally, since we are speaking of insects, what about the story of the western corn rootworm, which the public has not heard? This insect was controlled for many years using the practice of crop rotation, a staple of organic and conventional farming. Incredibly, this insidious pest has overcome an eco-friendly mechanism, by altering behavior to lay eggs in adjacent fields. Ironically, the points Terrel makes concerning agribusiness also extend to his organic backyard garden.
Dan Spillane
Seattle, WA
CFSeattle@aol.com
Comments on this posting?
Click here to post a public comment on the Trash Talk Bulletin Board.
Click here to send a private comment to the Junkman.