Transcript Tomatoes in Nigeria

GENETICALLY MODIFIED
TOMATOES IN NIGERIA
Presented by: Jan Döhring, Victor Marton,
Matthew Thomson, Rachel Girimonte
Paper by: Enujeke, E.C & Emuh, F.N.
RELEVANCE

Sustainable Development Goal: Reducing
famine
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795 million affected

Focusing specifically on the Asaba area of
Delta State
HEALTH EFFECTS
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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
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Types: DT97, Roma VF, UC82B, Asaba Local, Kwale
Local

Conducted during the 2011 – 2012 cropping
season
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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
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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
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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


Altruism/Empathy


Best result for most people
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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http://www.worldweatheronline.com/Asaba-weather-averages/Delta/NG.aspx
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https://www.osac.gov/pages/ContentReportDetails.aspx?cid=17598
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http://www.vconnect.com/delta-asaba/list-of-agriculture-farms_c1
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http://article.sapub.org/10.5923.j.env.20120204.02.html
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http://pages.uoregon.edu/millerm/skagit.jpeg
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http://www.britannica.com/science/crystalline-rock

http://itc.gsw.edu/faculty/bcarter/physgeol/igrx/gabbro.jpg
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http://pmep.cce.cornell.edu/profiles/insect-mite/cadusafoscyromazine/cypermethrin/cymeth_prf_0189.html
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http://www.silviculture.com/MSDS-for-Seedlings/Cymbush.pdf
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http://www.starkeayres.co.za/international-product-information.php?cat=7&id=127&page=2
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http://www.caloriecount.com/calories-asda-cherry-tomatoes-i438173
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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304423898002179
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http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/273031.php
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http://www.globalresearch.ca/potential-health-hazards-of-genetically-engineered-foods/8148