Layout of the farm scale trials



The Farm scale trials consist of one large field, half of which is GM and half non GM. There is sometimes a clear dividing line between the two, but not always. If the field is sloping, the dividing line will probably run down the hill, as the experimenters would have to be pretty daft to compare a GM crop high up a hill with a non GM crop in a valley (although this is Mickey Mouse Science so who knows?). Damage to either half will mess up the experiment, but if you wish to find out which is which, you can apply some of the appropriate herbicide to the four corners of the field, to find out which bits are gm herbicide resistant and which aren't. Early in the season, the GM crops often seem to have more weeds. After the farmer has sprayed the crop with herbicide, the GM crop will be more stunted, and in the case of oil seed rape, flower later.

There will be a line of flower pots buried in the ground cutting across both halves of the field (sometimes marked by canes). These are insect traps. If you find them, dig them up. There are also piles of stones at some of the sites. These may mark some kind of scientific equipment buried underground. Whatever they are, be sure to dismantle them and scatter the stones in amongst the crop

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