Quote Originally Posted by paintboy3 View Post
I posted these two question a while ago, but I assume not many people answered it because of the long article to read. So I summarized it and recomposed the two questions. Please answer it to the best of your ability.
(No this is not my homework question, its an assignment where I gotta read an article and make two questions. Then get answer from the public.)

One strand of potatoes have a resistant gene to powdery scab disease caused by fungi. In another region, potatoes have a resistant gene to black dot disease also caused by fungi. By cross breeding the potatoes, scientists will be able to create a potato which is resistant to both genes.

1. If less potatoes are destroyed by the diseases, will the overall soil quality be affected? Do you think there would be a negative effect on the fungi and worms that feed on the potatoes?

2. Will the global economy be affected negatively or positively as a result of cross breeding? Will the same thing happen if this technique of cross breeding is applied to other fruits and vegetables?
1. You can't create a potato that is resistant to genes.
2. Potatoes are energy storage in the form of starches so more potatoes won't affect soil quality.
3. Cross breeding is and old and lame technique. The new technique is tailor made genes, like the soy bean industry does. Which sucks for farmers but is win for large soulless corporations.