Genetically modified corn may be leading to pesticide-resistant corn worms

The Environmental Protection Agency is reviewing one of seed-giant Monsanto's genetically modified corn strains for fear that it might be creating a pesticide-resistant worm that eats corn. The action is a response to a scientific study released last week that found western rootworms on two Illinois farms that had developed resistance to insecticide produced by the seed corn. (ThinkProgress photo)

The worm hinders corn's ability to draw water and nutrients from the soil, and caused about $1 billion a year in damages and pesticide bills before Monsanto's seed was developed about a decade ago. Pesticide-resistant worms were first documented last year, Jack Kaskey of Bloomberg reports. Monsanto spokeswoman Kelly Clauss said studies in Iowa and Illinois don't confirm resistance in the field, and that more data is needed to prove resistance. (Read more)