GMO Drought Resistance

Intergeneric and interspecific crossing between distinct

plant and animal genera and species, are commonly Disadvantages of GMC
brought about artificially, to produce what could be
called 'man-made' crops. Allergenicity- Hundreds in India had allergic reaction in
handling BT cotton

•Haploid breeding (also known as doubled-haploid Outcrossing- movement of genes of gm plants to

breeding) involves the treatment of normal (diploid) conventional (pollens)
plants so as to produce haploid offspring, The method
Superweeds- A wild plant that is accidentally pollinated
produces true-breeding crops more quickly than
by a genetically modified plant and will contain its
traditional plant breeding, and commercial varieties of
ability to resist insects and herbicides.
barley have been produced in this way.
Glyphosate- chemical name for herbicide.
-are living organisms whose genetic material has been
Common weeds resistant to glyphosate
artificially manipulated in a laboratory through genetic
Common Ragweed
engineering. Italian Ryegrass

-creates combination of plants, animals, bacteria and

viruses that doesn’t occur naturally Health Risks
- BT toxins in the air
Splicing genes together -Mortality Rate
1.Take bacillus thuringiensis, a commonly occurring soil -Slowed Growth Rate
bacteria -Growth Defects Fertility

2. and use enzymes to remove it from the bt gene which Environmental Risks
produces a protein that turns toxic in the digestive tract -Contaminating Native Fields of Crops
of caterpillars. -Bio-diversity Issue
-Pesticides killing bees, birds, and other living
3. The bt gene is then incorporated into the organisms
chromosomes of cotton and corn, killing caterpillars that -Contaminating Streams
feed upon these plants. -Superweeds
-Monsato Lawsuits
Top 10 genetically modified foods
Corn-BTCorn
Soy Cotton, Papaya, Rice, Rapeseed(Canola), LMO(Living Modified Organism)
Potatoes, Tomatoes-cold resistant , Dairy Products, Peas
Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety
What is the Protocol on Biosafety?
Advantages of Genetically Modified Crops
-An agreement between different countries
Insect resistance(IR)
-Negotiated under the Convention on Biological
-Reduction in insecticide spraying
Diversity (CBD)
-Targeting of the insecticide solely to the plant to be
protected -Adopted 29 January 2000 after 4 years of intense

Herbicide Tolerance negotiations

-Over 63% of Gm crops grown globally have herbicide -Entry into force: 9 September 2003
tolerance traits -170 ratifications/ accessions
-achieved through the introduction of gene from -8 meetings of the governing body (COP-MOP)
bacterium conveying resistance to some herbicides
Objectives
- such crops have needed less herbicides in high weed To contribute to ensuring the safe transfer, handling and
area use of LMOs resulting from modern biotechnology that
Virus Resistance may have adverse effects on the biological diversity,
-makes plants less susceptible to diseases resulting into taking also into account risks to human health
higher crop yields Scope
Ex. Hawaiian papaya- resistant to papaya ring spot virus Applies to:
(PRSV)
Transboundary movement, transit, handling and use of
Yield Increase all LMOs that may have adverse effects on biodiversity,
Food Shell Life Increase taking also into account risks to human health

-spoiling of vegies decreases Exclusion:

-first gmc in us was Falvrsvr tomato Pharmaceuticals for humans that are addressed by other
Nutrient Enhancement international agreements or organizations

Biodiversity Conservation (Forest Ecosystem)
Forest- an area with high desnsity of trees
-most diverse ecosystems on land -> they hold thee vast
majority of the world’s terrestrial species
Forest Ecosystem Services
Supporting Services
Nutrient Cycling- water, carbon nitrogen
30%of ph population including 12 to 15 million
indigenous populations reside in uplands (forest
location)
Forests around the world provide timbers and non timber
products totaling to $100 million in net benefits yearly
One cause of deforestation in PH is mining
Only 20% of the country’s land area is forested down
from 70%(at start of 20th century)
Forest cover now only stands at 18%- some virgin
forests are in Sierra Madre, Palawan, and interior of
Mindanao

Habitat for species- plants and animals Ph has 700 threatened species

Maintenance for genetic diversity- vary of genes within Threatened Species- 42 land mammals, 127 birds, 24
and within species populations species of reptiles, 14 amphibians

Provisioning Services Birds

Food Philippine Eagle.

Medicinal Visayan Wrinkled Hornbill

Freshwater Mammals

Raw Materials Tamaraw

Biodiversity ensures we have fertile soil, as well as a Calamian Deer

variety of foods to eat. Tarsier
Regulating Services Plants
Air and water purification- influences local climate and 99 critically endangered, 187 endangered, 176 vulnerabe
air quality and 64 threatened Species

Carbon-sequestration and storage- ecos regulate global Ex. Yakal, Giant Orchid, Waling-waling, Staghorn fern
climate by storing greenhouse gases
Climate Regulation- eco and living orgscreate a buffer Threats and Problems in Forest Ecosystem
against natural disasters. Storing solar radiation,
distributing heat and moisture around the globe, driving
weather systems. Anthropogenic Activities
Waste-water treatment- Ecosystems such as wetlands Deforestation
filter effluents, decompose waste through the biological
Urbanization
activity of microorgs and eliminate pathogens
Kaingin
Erosion prevention and maintenance of soil fertility-
Vegetation cover prevents soil erosion and ensures soil Illegal logging
fertility through natural biological processes such as
nitrogen fixation. Kaingin

Regulation of Water Flow-Water flow regulation is a Forest Fire

key service provided by land cover and configuration. Illegal Wildlife Trade and Poachers- giant taro, monitor
Cultural Servies lizard

Recreation- role in maintaining mental and physical
health
Tourism-Attracts millions of travelers worldwide
Spiritual Experience and sense of peace- religions
Status of Philippine Biodiversity
5th in the world in terms of plant specie
Species endemism- atleast 25 species of genera plants ad
49% of terrestrial wildlife
4th in Bird endemism
Commercial mining and logging
Second Most Urgent Concern- Loss of Biodiversity(1 st is
climate change, 3rd loss of forest, 4th Air Pollution, 5th
Plastic Pollution)
Over 85% of the planet’ wetlands have been lost for the
past 300 yrs
Introduced/Invasive Organisms
When alien species are capable of causing significant
harmto our environment, the economy or to society, they
are referred to as "invasive alien species".
either because they take up resources from native or they
cause harm in communities
 Transport
Resource extraction

Invasive Flora(Plant Species) Pollution

Examples; Effects
Kantutay Rising temperature
Helicoper Flower Rising sea levels
Kugon- One of the top 10 worst weeds in the world Unpredictable weather patterns
native to Korea, Japan, China, India and Eastern
Increase in extreme weather
Africa(Tropical)
events
Bougainvillea
Land degradation
Peacock Flower
Loss of wildlife and biodiversity
Cardinals Guard
Biodiversity Conservation Strategies
Skyflower
In-situ and Ex-situ strategy
Giant Sensitive Plant (Makahiya)
In-situ(Natural Homes)
Spiked Pepper
Wildlife sanctuary
Trees(Host of Insect Pests)
National Park
Gmelina arborea,
Wildlife Reserve
Acacia mangium,(Brown Salwood)
Ex-Situ(Artificial Home)
Eucalyptus camaldulensis (Red Gum)
Seed bank
Swietenia macrophylla (Mahogany)
Zoo
Toona ciliate(Toon tree)
Botanical Garden
Leucaena leucocephala(Ipil-Ipil)

Strategies for Biodiversity Conservation

Forest tree species planted in the country were identified
as bioinvasive based from local
and international sources: There are eight species,
namely:
Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla),
Giant ipil-ipil (Leucaena leucocephala)
Palosanto (Triplaris cumingiana),
Acacia/Auri (Acacia auricauliformis),
African tulip (Spathodea companulata),
Aroma(Aroma confusa),
Mesquita aroma (Prosopis juliflorae) and
Paper mulberry(Broussonetia papyrifera).
Establish protected forest areas;
The level of pollutants should be reduced in the
environment;
•Poaching and hunting of wild animals should be
prevented;
•Stop illegal logging and limit logging in old-growth
forests.
•Provide and protect variety of habitats for plants and
animals;
Promote and foster community mobilization, advocacy
and networking about forest and biodiversity
conservation;
•Prevent the introduction of invasive plants and animals
in the forest;

Climate Change Strategies for Biodiversity Conservation

Cause •Promote education and information dissemination about

forest
Rapid industrialization
protection and its biodiversity conservation;
Energy use
•Establish community based forest and biodiversity
Agricultural practice resources
Deforestation management;
Consumer practices •Promulgate local ordinances for protection and
Livestock conservation of
forest and biodiversity resources.
Restore an Area Near or Far
Plant Native trees and plants
Save Energy
Help Animals, Big or Small
Consume Responsibly
Support Companies committed to ethical standards
Buy biodiversity-friendly products
Change one habit that is negative for biodiversity
Minimize Waste
Ask businesses to source responsively
Share
AgroEcosystem
Community of plants and animal interacting with
physical and chemical environment that have been
modified by people to produce food and other resources
for human consumption.
Comprises domestic plants and animals and people who
husband them.
Characteristics of Agroecosystem
Farmer decides what to plant (species & variety);
One or few species only, flora = simple
Age and status of growing plants = uniform;
Farmer supplies water and fertilizer uniformly;
Farmers harvests the products; removes all away from
the field
Insect fauna = simple (pests and natural enemies);
There is an order of arriving of organisms: crops, pests
and natural enemies;
Ecologically unstable;
Chances of pest outbreak = high.
Agroecosystem Properties
Productivity- quanity of food, fuel or fiber
Stability- Consistency of production
Sustainability- Maintaining a specified level of
production over the long term
Equitability- sharing agricultural production fairly
Autonomy- Se;f-sufficiency
Current State of Philippine Agricultureb
-Agroecosystems cover 38% of the earth’s land OR
12.16 billion acres (4.92 billion hectares)
Agriculture remains the most crucial importance in the
economy of the Philippines
Major export products are coconut oil and other coconut
products, fruits, vegetables and bananas
Other ASEAN countries have generally more diverse
agriculture than the Philippines and have been exhibiting
better agricultural performance.
For instance, crop yields are generally lower in the
Philippines compared to other countries in the region
Agricultural biodiversity is nowadays experiencing
general decline, as is the land area devoted to
urbanization and industrialization, rapid population
growth,expanding market demand at both the local and
international
levels and global climate change.
Threats and Problems in Agroecosystem
1. Invasive Pests
Ex. Common Name: Hagonoy
Scientific Name: Chromolaena odorata
Country of Origin: Tropical America
Invasive effect: prevents the establishment of
other forage species, thus reducing the
availability of edible plants for livestock.
Common Name: Cogon grass
Scientific Name: Imperata cylindrical
Country of Origin: is a native species that has
infested several million hectares of the
Philippine
uplands.
Invasive effect: A considerable area of potential
agricultural or forest land is rendered useless
because of the colonization by Imperata.
Common Name: Golden Apple Snail
Scientific Name: Pomacea canaliculata
Country of Origin: Argentina, South
America, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay and
Uruguay (Hayes et al. 2012).
Invasive effect: Major pest hindering the
promotion and adoption of direct-seeded rice.
Common Name: Rice field rat
Scientific Name: Rattus argentiventer

Country of Origin: Mindanao and other islands
of the Philippines, but not in Luzon
Invasive effect: If it was to become established
in the main rice bowls of Luzon then the impact
could be severe.
Invasive Insect Pests in Agroecosystems
Species that attained invasive status is the past 10 years
Buff Coconut mealy bug
Long Leaf Beetle
Rice Black Bugs
Several species of leaf miner flies, Liriomyza spp.
imported with cut flowers have attained outbreak levels
destroying potato crops and other highland crops in
Benguet and Mountain provinces.
Spiraling whitefly
(Aleurodicus dispersus)
The spiraling whitefly, Aleurodicus dispersus affects
many vegetable crops and ornamentals.
Big-headed ant that hauls rice seeds in the
upland environment, is also an introduced
pest
Invasive plant and insect pest can be cause by
introduction and indigenousness
2.Soil Erosion, overgazing, desssertification
Overgazing- Results from human overpopulation
Soil Erosion- Caused by unsuitable land use practices
3.Depletion of Groundwater and Salinization
-In many farms, the withdrawal of ground water for
irrigation is excessive during the dryseason.
-This has caused the ground water to recede, affecting
the availability of potable water for domestic use.
-Also, when much ground water is withdrawn by
agroecosytems near coastal areas, salt water intrusion
usually occurs.
4. Pollution
-Pesticides are transported by air, water and
soil,resulting in pollution.
-Pesticide residues are found in the food we eat as well
as in deep wells located near agricultural areas.
-The health effect in humans include increased incidence
of tumors, cancer, sterility, etc. pesticides kill not only
pests but beneficial animals as well (Aktar, et al., 2009).
5. Land Conversion
-From agricultural lands into urban areas due to
urbanization
6. Loss of genetic diversity
-Indirect extinction of traditional or indigenous varieties
of crops due to introduction of high yielding hybrids or
varieties
7. Pesticides
-Contamination of surroundings due to misuse of
pesticide
Pesticides are linked to death of bees and pollinators as
well as beneficial insects
8. Synthetic Fertilizer
-Synthetic fertilizers can harm the environment because
their nitrogen and phosphorous levels are often higher.
-Phosphorous runoff from farms and landscapes that use
fertilizer has contributed to the algae bloom in Lakes and
rivers, which has been disastrous to aquatic life
(Reddington,2009).
-Also, synthetic fertilizers kill beneficial bacteria in soil
Why Should You Conserve Biodiversity?
-It is believed that an area with higher species abundance
has a more stable environment compared to an area with
lower species abundance.
-We depend directly on various species of plant for our
various needs.
-Similarly, we depend on various species of animals
and microbes for different reasons.
-Biodiversity is being lost due to the loss of habitat,
over-exploitation of resources, climatic changes,
pollution, invasive exotic species, diseases, hunting, etc.
(The Land Between, 2021).
- Since it provides us with severaleconomic and ethical
benefits and adds aesthetic value, it is very important to
conserve biodiversity.
-Conservation of biological diversity is very important
for the proper functioning of the ecosystem and for
delivering ecosystem services (Wall and Nielsen, 2012).
-Maintaining high biodiversity in agroecosystems makes
agricultural production more sustainable and
economically viable
Biodiversity Conservation Strategies
- Implementation of biodiversity-based agriculture to
enhance ecosystem services.
-Use of bio-based products for controlling insect-pests,
and weeds.
-Prevent use of invasive species in agroecosystem.
- Establish protected agricultural land (Agricultural
protection zoning (APZ));
-Reducing local management intensity, such as fertilizer
and pesticide application;
-Implementing the following strategies:
Crop Rotation
Zero Tilage
Multicropping
Crop-livestock Interaction
Covee crops and Mulches
Practice organic Farming
Slash-and-burn agriculture must stop
Coral Reef Ecosystems
What is a Coral?
-A single coral animal is called a coral polyp.
-The coral polyps live together in colonies toform the
vast structures of the reef.
-There are two kinds of corals: hard and soft.
-Soft corals (Gorgonians), such as sea fans, seawhips,
and sea rods, sway with the currents and lack an
exoskeleton
-Hard corals (Scleractinia), such as brain, star, staghorn,
elkhorn and pillar corals have rigid exoskeletons, or
corallites, that protect their soft delicate bodies
(reefrelief.org).
What are coral reefs?
-Coral reefs are home to an extraordinary number of
marine creatures.
-Reefs are colonies of coral polyps held together by
calcium carbonate.
-Most coral reefs are built from stony corals, whose
polyps cluster in groups.
-Coral reefs grow best in warm water (70–85° F or 21–
29° C) (Coral Reef Alliance, 2021).
-Corals prefer clear and shallow water, where lots of
sunlight filters through to their symbiotic algae (Coral
Reef Alliance, 2021).
-It is possible to find corals at depths of up to 300 feet
(91 meters), but reef-building corals grow poorly below
60–90 feet (18–27 meters) (Coral Reef Alliance, 2021).
-Corals need salt water to survive, so they grow poorly
near river openings or coastal areas with excessive
runoff (Coral Reef Alliance, 2021).
Interesting Coral Reef Facts
According to Daniel, 2016
-Coral reefs have the highest biodiversity within marine
ecosystems with thousands of species of fish alone and
over 1000 species of corals.
-Coral reefs are the largest living structures visible from
outer space (the Great Barrier Reef is over 2000 km
long).
-Coral reefs worldwide cover an area of 284,300 square
km, around 1% of the total area of the world’s oceans
The Philippine Coral Reef
According to Dacanay (2015):
-The Philippines is part of the Coral Triangle,
considered the Amazon of the Sea, an area with more
species of corals, fish, and pharmaceutical marine
products than any other marine environment.
-Some 100 scientists have declared the Philippines as the
world’s center of marine biodiversity because of its
tropical reefs.
Why are coral reefs important?
HABITAT These are home to 33% of all known fish
species and a nursery ground for over 25% of all marine
species (Daniel, 2016).
INCOME Fishermen all around the world rely on this
steady supply of fish for their main source of income
(Daniel, 2016).
MEDICAL RESEARCH Coral reefs have the potential
to be used as medical cures to treat cancer, heart disease,
HIV and arthritis among others. (Daniel, 2016).
FOOD They are a food source for millions of people
(Daniel, 2016).
PROTECTION Protect the shoreline, minimizing the
impacts of waves from storms and tsunami.
TOURISM Coral reefs attract tourists from all over the
world.
The Philippine Coral Reef
According to White et. Al. (200)
-The Philippines has a diverse human population with
approximately 14% of the population considered
indigenous.
-In many cases areas of high biodiversity are inhabited
by indigenous communities.
-The marine and coastal systems of the Philippines are
critical to the wellbeing of the people who live there.
-Fish constitutes nearly 70% of inhabitants’ protein
intake and also provides a source of income for around
6.5 million small-scale fishers and their families .
-The reefs have long been used as traditional fishing
grounds, and are considered by the indigenous people to
be ancestral waters.
-As a number of stakeholders are reliant on these reefs,
its destruction would have wide-ranging and detrimental
social and economic consequences.
Threats to the coral reef ecosystems
-Unfortunately, coral reef ecosystems are severely
threatened.
-Some threats are natural, such as diseases, predators,
and storms, while others are manmade
Ex. Coral Disease, Crown of Thorns Sea star outbreak,
Storms
1.Coastal and Ocean Pollution
Oil slicks, pesticides, chemical, heavymetals, garbage
etc. (US EPA, 2021).
-Poison coral polyps
Fertilizer and untreated sewage encourages algae growth
(US EPA, 2021)
-High concentrations of algae can cover the coral and
block sunlight if not kept under control by herbivores.
2. Sedimentation and Siltation
Uncontrolled development of coasts
- Coastal development, urban stormwater runoff, mining,
forestry, and agriculture
3. Recreation
Boat anchors crush corals and gouge the reef (US EPA,
2021).

Diving tourism
-Divers and snorkelers sit, stand on, or
handle corals (US EPA, 2021)

4. Destructive Fishing Practices

Overharvesting of species can lead to endangerment and
extinction (US EPA, 2021).
Fishing with dynamite, cyanide, or bleachcan destroy
coral reefs (US EPA, 2021).
Careless handling of nets, lines and traps can lead to reef
damage (US EPA, 2021).
What can you do to protect the coral reefs?
-No matter where you live, near the coast or hundreds of
miles away, there are several things that you can do to
keep coral reefs healthy.

-Many dangers to coral reefs occur directly on the water

but many also come from activities that occur on land,
even those far from the coast.
-In the following slides are lifestyle changes that anyone
can adopt that can make a difference for the health of
our coral reefs.

When Visiting Coral Reefs

1.Practice safe and responsible diving and snorkeling
2.Take a reef-friendly approach to sun protection
3. Practice safe boating
Everyday
Be a marine debris crusader
Be conscious when buying aquarium fish
Save energy at home and at work
Don’t send chemicals into our waterways
Volunteer