GENETICALLY MODIFIED PLANTS

Genetically modified plants

M.MADHAN MOHAN AND S.M.IBRAHIM

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL BOTANY,

AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE & RESEARCH INSTITUTE,

MADURAI-625 104

TAMILNADU AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY

ABSTRACT

Genetically modified plants are created by the process of genetic engineering, which allows scientists to move genetic material between organisms with the aim of changing their characteristics. The potential of biotechnology as a method to enhance agricultural productivity in the future has been accepted globally. The world of biotechnology has always moved fast and now it is moving even faster. The speed with which this new technology is being commercialized is amazing. In 1996, there were 1.7 mha of transgenic crops. There were 11 million in 1997, and about 28 million ha have been planted in 1998. Genetically modified plants are having huge potential benefits in areas of food supply, food quality, nutrition and health.

INTRODUCTION:

Genetically modified plants are created by the process of genetic engineering, which allows scientists to move genetic material between organisms with the aim of changing their characteristics.GE is a revolutionary technology, has the power to break down fundamental genetic barriers not only between species but between humans, animals, and plants. By randomly inserting together the genes of non-related species, utilizing viruses, antibiotic-resistant genes, and bacteria as vectors, markers, and promoters and also permanently altering their genetic codes, gene-altered organisms are created that pass these genetic changes onto their offspring through heredity. Gene engineers all over the world are now snipping, inserting, recombining, rearranging, editing, and programming genetic material. Animal genes and even human genes are randomly inserted into the chromosomes of plants, fish, and animals, creating heretofore unimaginable transgenic life forms. This method therefore allows mixing of the genetic material among species that cannot otherwise breed naturally.

PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY IS CURRENTLY BEING USED FOR :

Developing plants that are resistant to diseases, pests and stress.

Keeping fruits and vegetables fresh for longer periods of time which is extremely important in tropical countries.

Producing plants that possess healthy fats and oils.

Producing plants that have increased nutritive value.

Soybeans with a higher expression of the anti-cancer proteins naturally found in soybeans.

A whole range of higher value feed.

Other applications such as lignin modification in trees, for example, that will make possible much higher fiber extraction rates in the paper and pulp industry.

Producing new substances in plants, including biodegradable plastics, and small proteins or peptides such as prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines.

NEED FOR PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY :

Agriculture in its present form must cater to the food and fiber needs of the increasing human population which was 1.5 billion at the beginning of this century, increased to about 6 billion today and is estimated to reach 8.3 billion by AD 2025. Besides the increasing numbers it are also the nutritional requirements of the people that are on the rise. It is estimated that in the next two generations our world will consume TWICE as much food as has been consumed in the entire history of humankind.

Therefore, on one hand there is a need to increase the food grain production tremendously whereas on the other hand it is also true that the amount of arable land cannot really be increased, so we must make the existing land produce more and we must do it in an eco-friendly, cost effective and a sustainable manner. This situation unquestionably calls for an integrated approach for sustainable agricultural development, could be provided by improvements in crop productivity brought about through plant biotechnological interventions.