To investigate, scientists looked at two common pesticides: neonicotinoids, which are used to controlpests on oil seed rape and other crops, and a group of organophosphate chemicals called coumaphos, which are used to kill the Varroa mite, a parasite that attacks the honey bee.
Initial findings indicate that the substance appears to be effective in the treatment of certain medical conditions and the control of agricultural pests.
Most of these new varieties are designed to be resistant to pests and diseases, or to be resistant to herbicides, so that farmers can more effectively control weeds while adopting more environment-friendly no-till farming practices and more benign herbicides.