The estimated ARMS effect indicates a 17-percent increase in yields for herbicide-tolerant cotton adopters nationwide. In someregions, herbicide-tolerant cotton yields mayhave been lower than for conventional varieties. In particular, farmers in the Mississippi Portal encountered serious and unexpected problems with their herbicide-tolerant cotton during the 1997 growingseason (Virginia Cooperative Extension).
Some growers found deformed bolls and bolls that dropped off the plants. About 20 percent
of the region's herbicide-tolerant cotton was affected.

According to the passage, what is one benefit of genetically modified cotton?

Increased resistance to drought and diseases.

Increased yields in all areas of the nation.

increased yeilds in some areas of the nation


What is one possible drawback of genetically
modified cotton?

It has been linked to certain health risks.

It may have caused problems with the plants.

It grows in only certain types of soil.