permaculture

["Ava Devenport" <essenheal@iname.com>]

Toby:

I don't know whether this is happening in the wild, but it is definitely 
happening in the fields.  There has been quite a bit of local uproar here, 
as corn is our states number 1 product.

At least one corn producer that I am personally acquainted with has ceased 
the use of this seed.  He was very adamant at the beginning, "Best seed on 
the market, highest yield, more profit (other than he couldn't collect any 
seed)".  He is now actively working with our local Citizens Action Commitee 
to educate the public on the possible dangers of consumption of this 
particular corn.  He wasn't 'too' concerned when he first noticed the death 
of the butterfly's, but after the third season, he went to our local 
extension officer (his degree is in entomolgy/ag.) and they have definite 
laboratory results stating death was due to this particular pollen.

There have also been numerous accounts of this particular problem through 
the media, citizen action groups, organic news and herb foundations.  I 
believe that is was through HerbNet that I first became aware of the 
issue.

I don't 'believe' that it can happen in the wild, as the seed is very 
controlled and the plant cannot self pollinate, but I wouldn't stake 
anything on that belief.  All I can definitely state is "If the butterfly's 
are dying from eating the pollen, I don't want to eat the product". But I 
also believe that this will probably be one of those wait and see 
situations, as nature has a way of taking control and may just mutate the 
pollen so that it can self-pollinate or cross pollinate.

Insects, amphibians, etc. are great indicators of what is happening on our 
planet, I think we should really start to pay attention to the losses of 
entire groups of species.

And speaking of Monarchs, I hate to admit this, but for 5 continuous years, 
I removed all of those 'big black and yellow caterpillars' from my milkweed 
plants because they were eating the leaves.  I 'humanely' removed them to 
the park, where of course, there is no milkweed.  I've begun to seriuosly 
educate myself regarding WHAT I consider a 'pest' over the past few years.

Blessings,
Ava