At the moment, despite the brouhaha they have created in some countries, genetically modified plants are primitive things.

ECONOMIST: Inhuman genomes

Environmentalists had argued that there might be a risk of cross-pollination between genetically modified plants and neighbouring crops.

BBC: Monsanto GM seed ban is overturned by US Supreme Court

Yet most plants that have been genetically modified contain genes from related plant species or some of their natural microbial neighbours.

ECONOMIST: In defence of the demon seed

While many health advocates say eating genetically-modified plants appears to be safe, some say foods containing such organisms should be labeled as such.

WSJ: Label Decoder: Protein Additives in Food

They like agricultural research but loathe genetically modified (GM) plants.

ECONOMIST: Brazil's agricultural miracle

Also, most soy bean plants grown in the U.S. are genetically modified, a turnoff for some consumers.

WSJ: Label Decoder: Protein Additives in Food

This is where genetically modified wheat is being grown, part of an experiment to see if the plants can repel a common pest, aphids, without having to resort to insecticide.

BBC: Fortress security for GM wheat trial