GENETICALLY MODIFIED TOMATOES IN NIGERIAPresented by: Jan Döhring, Victor Marton, Matthew Thomson, Rachel Girimonte

Paper by: Enujeke, E.C & Emuh, F.N.

RELEVANCE

Sustainable Development Goal: Reducing famine

795 million affected

Focusing specifically on the Asaba area of Delta State

HEALTH EFFECTS

Long term health effects of GMOS unknown

Tomatoes are great sources of anti-oxidants, minerals, and vitamins

Relatively low calorie count, with an average of 18 per 100 g

THE PROJECT

Funded by Department of Agronomy at Delta State University

Research Question: Which of the five varieties of tomatoes tested is

most suitable for increased yield in the study areas?

THE METHODS Types: DT97, Roma VF, UC82B, Asaba Local, Kwale

Local

Conducted during the 2011 – 2012 cropping season

Typically humid environment, peaks in July and September, very dry in August

Annual mean rain: 1.65L

Annual mean temperature: 37.3°C

Annual mean humidity: 73.2%

Geomorphology: Ancient metamorphic crystalline basement complex

More acidic than basic

THE METHODS (CONT.).

Planted each type of tomato, then recorded their growth and other features at weeks 4, 6, 8, …

Compared various types of tomato (including GMO)

Nursing beds very acidic

pH (H20) 5.3

388.85 m2

Fertilizer used, weeded every two weeks

RESULTS

UC82B shows greater height, number of leaves, and flowers per plants than other varieties of tomato

RESULTS (CONT.).

UC82B also had the greatest yield, both in number and weight

THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE ASPECT

Areas of Knowledge: Ethics

Should we use GMOs to decrease famine?

Should we be allowed to change DNA?

Natural Sciences Advances knowledge into genetic modification and how it

affects growth

Testing limits of the plant’s growth

PROS

Utilitarianism Best result for most people

Altruism/Empathy Compassion

Communitarianism Take care of our fellow

CONS

Health effects could be negative No conclusive data on long-term effects of GMOs

Playing God – altering nature could have an adverse affect that we cannot foresee yet

Do humans have the right to alter nature?

Plants first, then a slippery slope to human genetic modification

IN CONCLUSION

UC82B shows an increased food yield, which can help end famine

Morally, it is our obligation to help end famine

Pros greatly outweigh the cons

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