Examples of Genetic Engineering in Agriculture

In agriculture, genetic engineering is modifying an organism’s or plant’s genetic material to produce desired characteristics. Utilizing this technology has improved the nutritional value, pest resistance, production, and environmental adaptation of cattle and crops. The following are some examples of agricultural genetic engineering:

Golden Rice

The purpose of this genetically modified (GM) rice variety is to create beta-carotene, which is a source of vitamin A.

Bt Cotton

A toxin originating from the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) bacteria has been genetically engineered into cotton plants. By protecting the plants from specific insect pests, this toxin functions as a natural insecticide, decreasing the need for chemical pesticides and increasing crop productivity.

Roundup-Ready Crops

Plants like cotton, corn, and soybeans have undergone genetic modification to make them resistant to glyphosate, the herbicide that is widely sold as Roundup. Glyphosate is a herbicide that farmers can use to control weeds without damaging their crops. This makes weed management easier and may even increase crop output.

Drought-Tolerant Crops

Drought-tolerant crops are created by genetic engineering. Genes that improve water-use efficiency or allow these crops to flourish in dry environments may have been placed into them, increasing agricultural output in arid areas.

Papaya Ringspot Virus-Resistant Papaya

Papaya crops have undergone genetic engineering to become resistant to the papaya ringspot virus, which was causing havoc and endangering papaya production. Many nations have successfully embraced genetically modified (GM) papayas, which has contributed to the preservation of papaya orchards.

Salinity-Tolerant Crops

Through genetic engineering, it is possible to produce crops that survive in highly salinized soils. This is especially crucial in areas where irrigation can cause the soil to become salinized, which makes it difficult for conventional crops to grow well.

Genetic Engineering in Agriculture: Genetic engineering in farming is like a high-tech tool that helps us make crops better, so they can handle tough weather, bugs, and diseases while producing more food. There are a number of applications of Genetic Engineering in Agriculture that are now regarded as the backbone of agricultural crop enhancement. Genetic engineering is quickly replacing conventional plant breeding programs. Because genetic engineering makes it possible to quickly boost crop yields and prevent natural calamities like droughts, it is transforming the way we produce food. In addition to enhancing crop productivity, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are decreasing the need for pesticides. Genetically Modified Organisms, or GMOs, are living organisms that have had their genes changed via genetic engineering.