Agricultural biotechnology
Agricultural Biotechnology
There are many methods employed in agricultural biotechnology to modify living organisms for beneficial use, enhance plant production, crop improvement, and ways to improve the animal breed. Nowadays, in 2023, new strategies have been created to boost agricultural productivity.
Here are some of the methods and techniques where agricultural biotechnology is used:
Genetic Engineering:
This is a technique used in labs to change the genetic
makeup of an individual. It uses the recombinant DNA technology method to transfer
genes from one specie to another. This
process involves inserting foreign DNA into a host organism (such as a plant,
animal, or microorganism) for transferring beneficial traits such as enhanced
crop production, and tolerance to diseases.
Genetically modified crops known as GMOs help farmers
enhance production by minimizing damage to crops from weeds, diseases, and
insects.
Tissue Regeneration
This process enables the reproduction of crops and plants free
from diseases. The tissue culture technique is applied to regenerate plant tissue and preserve plant material in a sterile environment. Lemon,
apples, coffee, papaya, mango, and banana are examples of crops that are
isolated and grown utilizing tissue culture.
Genetic Diagnostics
Gene and molecular diagnostics are accurate and targeted
approaches for identifying genes or gene products. These approaches are employed
in farming to identify diseases affecting crops more precisely. The analysis of
biomarkers used in DNA and protein studies can be done using this approach.
Markers for molecular gene
Molecular markers used in genetic engineering are also known as
distinct DNA fragments connected to a specific location within the genome. It can detect particular DNA sequences in a
genome. In traditional breeding animals and plants are chosen based on their desired features, therefore scientists can use molecular markers to
identify animals or plants that have desired genes.
The research center has developed disease-resistant cowpea, and chickpea-resistant mosaic diseases using molecular markers. Molecular markers
can be used to find undesirable genes in plants and animals so that they can be
removed in future generations.
Vaccine Production
Both humans and animals are immunized with vaccines that are developed through biotechnology. The vaccine is a medical formula that is infused into the body of the host to develop immunity against that particular disease. Nowadays vaccines are safer and improved than conventional vaccines.
These vaccines can be stored at room temperature which is beneficial for farmers in tropical areas. In the Philippines, the vaccine produced against hemorrhagic disease, due to which the country was suffering from the loss of cattle and buffalo specie, has been also developed using biotechnology.
Embryo Recovery
It is a type of plant in-vitro culturing method. In this
process, a developing embryo is developed in a regulated environment to
increase its survival chance. This aids in preserving those species that are in
danger of going extinct. These species include grains, seeds such as heritage
seeds, etc.
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| Application of biotechnology in agriculture |
Application of biotechnology in agriculture
Enhanced crop production
Agricultural yield increases by improving disease control
and enhancing resistance to drought and flooding. Producing crop traits like
drought tolerance and disease resistance helps enhance the yield and production of
crops and also satisfies the rising food demand.
Researchers can now
choose disease-resistant genes and transfer them into new crops. For example, transferring one gene of papaya to another to develop resistance in the papaya
plant against the virus. In this way, they develop a new variety of papaya plants resistant
to the ringspot virus.
Genetically modified bananas approved in 2023 are a rich source of vitamins and provide resistance to diseases and pests enhancing crop production.
Improved Crop Protection
Agriculture through biotechnological practices provides pest
control issues. Farmers can now modify different crops such as wheat, corn, and potato to create a protein that combats pest problems. Bt protein known as
Bacillus thuringenesis has been developed so many years to produce
insect-resistant crops. Vip proteins have been developed to control
insecticidal pests.
Crops with better flavor and taste
The pant enzymes convert aroma precursors into flavoring
compounds and if this enzymatic activity inside the plant is boosted, it will
enhance the flavor and taste of the crop. Research is still being conducted on flavored
transgenic peppers and melons. An example is Vine-ripened transgenic tomatoes
with prolonged softening produce a better taste. Genetically modified apples and
potatoes are better in flavor and do not turn brown and are less likely to get rotten.
Providing improved nutrient content
New techniques have been developed through genetic
engineering to improve the nutritional value of food. Potatoes with high
carbohydrate content, soybeans and beans with high protein content and amino
acid, and rice with beta-carotene as a precursor to producing Vitamin A are a few
examples of crops with increased nutritional value.
Good Quality Food Processing
Chymosin is an enzyme developed through gene transfer and is the
first genetically modified bacteria approved in the 19th century. It is
used in the cheese-making process, increases purity, and helps in cost reduction.
Resistant to chemicals and viruses
Herbicides are used mainly by farmers to prevent
insect development which causes soil erosion. The production of
genetically modified crops that are resistant to chemicals such as herbicides, reduces soil erosion.
The use of insecticide sprays poses a threat to soil quality and
crops, therefore genetically modified crops are less prone to viral
contaminations and help farmers control crop loss.
Biofuel Production
Rather than producing biofuels and utilizing resources, the
agricultural sector plays a role in the fermentation of feedstock and purification
of biofuels. Feedstock which has been developed through genetic modification
improves fuel production.
Crops with high yields and production reduce harvesting
and transportation costs, resulting in fuel products with high value.
Enhancement of flora environment
The floral industry is made of flower and ornamental plants also known as floriculture. Through different techniques of biotechnology such as polyploidy, breeding, tissue culture, and micropropagation different kinds of floral and ornamental plants have been created that differ in color, size, shape, and fragrance. Agrobacterium-mediated transformation nowadays in 2023, is used to convert more than 50 ornamental plants.
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