Drought-tolerant genetically-modified corn

This is an article about the first genetically modified commercial seed incorporating a "complex" trait, i.e. one controlled by multiple genes. It is Monsanto's long-awaited drought-resistant corn, which if it were effective would give some justification to the two decades and billions of dollars in public and private research spent on genetic engineering (often at the expense of conventional breeding research. This is because until now the only GM traits marketed in crops have been Bt internal insecticide, and resistance to glyphosate herbicides. Neither of these increased yields, but rather changed the amount and types of chemicals used in large-scale industrial agriculture (something that certainly has its merit, especially in the case of Bt genes that have knocked some of our most nasty, toxic pesticides out of common use). But the major GM researchers and especially private companies have always touted the future possibility of traits like drought or salt tolerance that could actually increase total world food supply, and help small farmers.

Anyway, this article argues that the new Monsanto variety actually doesn't perform any better than existing conventionally-bred varieties under drought conditions. The most interesting quote of the article pertains to the reasonable expectations for major breakthroughs via genetic engineering:

"Plants have been evolving for millions of years. I doubt that [GMO] plant breeders will be able to hit upon anything for nutrient utilization that nature already hasn't tried."

A sage voice speaking out against the hubris of quick-fix tech fetishism.