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Farming Today: GM Flies, Fish discards, Gold-mining

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14/08/2014

GM Flies, Fish discards, Gold-mining

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, GM Flies, Fish discards, Gold-mining

Could genetically modified fruit flies be a healthier alternative to pesticides?

Sybil Ruscoe finds out how genetically modified fruit flies could offer an alternative to pesticides on some fruit crops.

Fruit flies are a serious problem for growers in many parts of the world, damaging over 200 types of crop. Now scientists have found that releasing genetically-engineered fruit flies into the wild could be an effective alternative to using pesticides. The modified flies are unable to produce female offspring, meaning that populations can't survive long-term. Sybil Ruscoe hears from the lead researcher on the project.

A new trial run by the Marine Management Organisation has explored how UK fishing fleets will have to adapt to new rules on "fish discards". From next year, throwing fish back into the sea because they're too small, or because boats have already met their quota, will be banned under EU rules. Farming Today hears how the trial has gone, and how it may help reduce the number of discarded fish.

And the 21st century gold rush! With prices high, could farmers and landowners cash in on Britain's hidden reserves of precious metal?

Presented by Sybil Ruscoe and produced by Emma Campbell.

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