Impact of Genetically Modified Crops in Agriculture

Abstract

During the 1980s the research achievement with probably the greatest potential significance for plant breeding was the ability to insert DNA into plant cells and to recover an intact plant which carried a new characteristic encoded by that DNA. This process of ‘transformation’ had previously only been possible in bacteria and fungi. Using this novel technology, plants have now been produced that carry genes conferring insect and virus resistance, increased tolerance to herbicides and the deposition of novel storage proteins within their seeds. This small selection of characters will soon be supplemented by more complex multigene traits which will significantly improve the performance of crops. In the longer term this ability specifically to modify particular traits will provide new options for plant breeders and should improve both the range and quality of plant products available to industrial and domestic consumers.