Genetic Engineering and the Existence of Monocultures; a case study of Panama disease

Abstract

The threat to food security caused by the existence of monocultures is serious. Monocultures of genetically engineered crops are spreading. In this paper an exploration will be made of most important literature on the link between genetic engineering and monoculture existence. The analysis of the case study of Panama disease will be made following four steps. This will result in the presentation of two causal models of the monocultures of banana types ‘Gros Michel’ and ‘Cavendish’. From the causal models will be derived what the main causes are for monoculture existence and what the role of genetic modification is in context of the case. From these results will be concluded to what extent genetic engineering influences the existence of monocultures.