Discover whether GMO seeds can be replanted, the science behind it, farmer restrictions, and how it affects agriculture and food security.
The Idea of Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) seeds and foods continues to be big debate among farmers, experts, organizations and consumers in Nigeria. And the question of whether GMO seed can be replanted or not surfaced from the debate.
Many farmers wonder if GMO seeds can be replanted after harvest, just like traditional or open-pollinated seeds. This follows the rumor of organisations distributing GMO seeds that cannot be replanted to farmers to make profits as every farmer would come back to buy seeds from them again.
And AgriAxis also wants to know if this is true; hence this post.
What Are GMO Seeds?
Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) seeds are created in a lab by scientists who directly alter the DNA of a plant.
They were developed to give crops specific, desired traits, such as resistance to pests and diseases, tolerance to herbicides, or the ability to produce a higher yield.
GMO vs Hybrid Seeds
GMO seeds have genes from completely different species, while hybrid seeds are the result of cross-pollinating two different but compatible parent plants.
In some cases neither type of seed is usually saved and replanted. GMO seeds are not saved due to legal patents and unstable traits. Hybrid seeds, on the other hand, are not saved because their offspring (F2 generation) will lose the desirable "hybrid vigor" of the first generation, resulting in weak plants and unpredictable harvests.
Legal Restrictions on GMO Seeds Saving
In Nigeria, GMO seeds are legal but not fully legalized.
GMO seeds in Nigeria, are under strict regulation by the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA). The NBMA ensures that only safe and approved genetically modified crops are released for cultivation.
As of 2025, GMO maize (Bt maize) and GMO cotton have received formal approval. Trials are ongoing for other crops like GMO tomato and rice.
The first commercial release of GMO cotton and maize was approved in Nigeria in 2018 and 2019, respectively.
The Bt maize varieties such as Tela, are fully legal for cultivation in Nigeria as of 2025. These seeds offer:
- High resistance to fall armyworm
- Better yields than traditional maize
- Reduced pesticide costs
In cases of other experimental GMO seeds it is illegal for farmers to save and replant them.
Also Biotech companies like Monsanto hold patents on the seeds they develop, which means the seeds are their intellectual property.
And when farmers buy these seeds, they must sign a legal agreement, or contract, that explicitly prohibits them from saving and replanting seeds from the harvest. These companies actively enforce their patents through lawsuits against farmers who violate the agreement.
Now this brings us to the main question of this post
Can GMO Seeds Be Replanted?
And the simple answer is Yes, GMO seeds just like normal seeds can be replanted.
The idea that GMO seeds cannot be replanted is a common myth, and according to Dr. Issoutou Abdurhamane, Regional Director of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), GMO crops produce seeds that farmers can save and plant year after year without any biological problem.
He emphasized that the claim that GMO seeds cannot be replanted is false and was created to scare farmers and decision-makers. He also clarified that the so-called "terminator gene," which would make seeds sterile, is not used in any cultivated GMO crop worldwide. This was discussed in the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum in Abuja 2018, retrieved from Vanguard newspaper.
Supporting this, other sources explain that while there was research into "terminator technology" to make seeds sterile, it never reached commercial use. Farmers can save and replant GMO seeds just like conventional seeds .
However, remember that there are some practical and legal considerations:
Hybrid seeds (including many GMO seeds) may not produce plants identical to the parent plant in the next generation.
This is true for many hybrid seeds, GMO or not. The quality or yield might decrease if seeds are saved and replanted over many generations .
Legal contracts:
Many GMO seeds are sold under contracts that restrict farmers from saving and replanting seeds. And it is true that companies want farmers to buy new seeds each season to protect their investment and intellectual property.
This brings another answer to the question whether GMO seeds can be replanted or not.
Now we also know that some GMO seeds are typically not reusable for the next planting season. This is due to biological, legal, and economic reasons that control how GMO crops are grown worldwide.
This brings us to the final answer that scientifically, while some GMO seeds can technically grow if replanted, they are generally not designed for it. The special traits they carry are often unstable and, when replanted, the next generation of plants will either lose their desired characteristics or produce a significantly lower yield, making them unprofitable for the farmer.
You should erase and forget about the rumors that the reason why some GMO seeds cannot be replanted is because of some sort of capitalist or governmental or political scheme.
Now to the GMO Tomatoes rumor
GMO Seeds in Nigeria and GMO Tomatoes
Regarding Nigeria, the GMO technology is present and being promoted by organizations like AATF. Dr. Abdurhamane has urged Nigerian policymakers to support GMO adoption for food security and environmental benefits.
He also debunked rumors that GMO tomatoes contain pig genes, clarifying that the genes used are safe and similar to those used in papaya resistance.
Can I Plant GMO Tomato Seeds in Nigeria Legally?
Not yet. As of 2025, GMO tomato seeds are still in the trial phase in Nigeria. They are not yet legally approved for commercial farming.
However, hybrid tomato seeds that offer high resistance to diseases and pests are legal and available from reputable agro input sellers.
Debunking the GMO Tomatoes Myth
GMO tomatoes in Nigeria is still be under trial and not yet fully legal, and many other GMO crops are undergoing regulatory trials before full approval.
GMO crops, including tomatoes, are being developed and monitored in Nigeria, with efforts to educate the public and dispel myths surrounding GMO foods and myths.
Can GMO Seeds or Crops Harm Health?
Current scientific consensus is that approved GMO foods are safe to eat and do not harm human health.
Many studies and regulatory agencies worldwide have found no credible evidence that GMO foods cause health problems. The genes inserted into GMO crops are carefully tested for safety before approval.
The misinformation about GMO tomatoes containing pig genes was specifically addressed and debunked by Nigerian experts, emphasizing that such claims are false and intended to create fear.
Alternatives for Farmers
Farmers can opt for open-pollinated varieties (OPVs) which are the traditional seeds that can be easily saved from one season to the next without losing their traits.
Farmers can also use local and indigenous seeds that have adapted to their specific environments over time, promoting biodiversity and independence. These types of seeds are often the foundation of organic farming and sustainable agriculture.
In All
You can save and plant GMO seeds again. The idea that you cannot is a myth.
Some GMO seeds are sold with contracts that say you must buy new seeds each year, but this is a legal rule, not a biological one.
And in the case of some GMO seeds it is not advisable for them to be replanted due to a loss of desirable traits and a decline in yield/traits is seen if replanted. This forces farmers to purchase new seeds every season.
In Nigeria, GMO crops like tomatoes are being tested and promoted, but some rumors about them (like containing pig genes or being sterile) are false.
Approved GMO foods are safe to eat and do not cause health problems.
Still, open-pollinated seeds remain the best alternative for farmers who prioritize sustainability, biodiversity, and the ability to save their own seeds for future harvests.
This post is about; Can GMO seeds be replanted, Replanting GMO crops, GMO seed restrictions, GMO seed patent, GMO vs hybrid seeds, Farmers and GMO seeds, Seed saving and GMOs
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