Activists claim transgenic crops carry unquantifiable risks, such as the possible transfer of herbicide resistance to the wild plant population, creating an army of 'superweeds'.

Although some reporter genes may serve as selectable markers (those conferring antibiotic or herbicide resistance, for example), very few selectable markers are true reporter genes.

Plants have been modified for insect protection, herbicide resistance, virus resistance, enhanced nutrition, tolerance to environmental pressures and the production of edible vaccines.

To avoid generating herbicide resistance, the same product should not be used several years in succession; rather, various products should be used in rotation.

These same problems occur in agriculture with pesticide and herbicide resistance.