GM crops|Examples of GM crops|Advantages & Disadvantages of GMOs 2023

GM crops|Examples of GM crops|Advantages & Disadvantages of GMOs 2022
GM crops

 GM crops are genetically modified crops whose genetic material has been altered to produce desired traits. In this article, you will know some examples of GM crops that have been genetically modified to produce more yield. You will also know the advantages & disadvantages of GMOs which have influenced crop production benefiting farmers and people. 

GM crops

As you hear, the name indicates genetically modified crops, those crops whose genetic material has been changed to produce desired traits. GM crops have foreign genes inserted in them which creates crops with favorable characteristics.

Examples of GM crops

Thanks to GM technology, plant breeders can transfer beneficial genes from one specie to another. Crops that are modified produce useful traits such as better quality and enhanced crop yield. For example, GM rice, known as golden rice has been enhanced to metabolize beta-carotene to vitamin A and can be used in African countries where children suffer from blindness due to Vitamin A deficiency.

 GMO crops help to reduce crop loss due to fewer pesticides sprayed. GM crops which are genetically altered known as GM papaya, provide protection against viruses. In the United States, when the papaya plant was infected with a virus known as ringspot which affects plant growth, and flavor, and may be harmful to human health. Rainbow papaya is a GM crop that provides resistance against the ringspot virus.

Another GM fruit, Pink pineapple remains pink and has better flavor than yellow pineapple. This is created when the enzyme lycopene converts pink pigment into a yellow color that produces the beta-carotene enzyme. When this enzyme is suppressed it remains pink and does not convert into yellow pigment.  Pink pineapple boosts immunity and provides benefits to human health.

GMO soybean is modified by inserting genes that provide resistance against herbicides. Now, these soybeans can withstand glyphosate herbicide extracted from the soil bacterium Agrobacterium. GMO soybean is used as oil.

GM squash (yellow squash) provides resistance to yellow mosaic virus and other plant pathogenic viruses. GM squash has been modified to resist against zucchini virus and mottle virus grown on watermelon.

GM alfalfa has been genetically modified to develop tolerance against herbicides, which kill weeds. GM corn is also being used in this technique allowing farmers to control weeds.

GM Sweet Plum, a virus-resistant has been modified genetically to develop resistance against the pox virus. Plum pox virus disease is caused by aphids and it causes brown rotting.

These are the main revolutions of crops and foods that have gone through the genetic modification process, although some GM foods are not available on a commercial scale. 

GM crops|Examples of GM crops
Examples of GM crops


Now I am going to explain what are the recent advantages and disadvantages of GMOs.

Advantages of GMOs

Reduction in Pesticides

Pesticide use is reduced because some crops like bt cotton and corn have developed resistance to insects and pests. It is due to GM technology that some crops are insecticide resistant so there is no damage to people eating these crops. These crops are environmentally friendly and will be a big step toward the improvement of food availability.

Fewer Resources

GM crops have made it possible to produce the same food with less labor, and fewer resources such as reduced pesticides, and low rainfall. Old farming techniques require large spaces to work, machines for cultivation, farming fields that are expensive, large labor force to work. But with the advancement of GM technology, we can grow more crops with increased productivity in an economical way.  

Improved Quality and Cultivation

The foods and crops that have undergone genetic modification are made to grow easier under certain conditions. Crops which are pest-resistant and herbicide-tolerant are able to produce more. These foods are modified in such a way that they can withstand unfavorable changes in the atmosphere and have a long shelf life.

Increased Productivity

Genetically modified crops have been enabled to increase productivity in a small land area. GM crops which are insect and herbicide resistant are more sustainable to the environment. This increases crop yield enhancing food production. For Example, Bt cotton seed (Round-up Ready crops) reduces the use of pesticide spray by farmers.

High Protein content

Some crops which are genetically modified provide high nutritional content such as calcium, proteins, and vitamins. In areas with inadequate nutrition, these crops will be proving beneficial.  Golden rice with high vitamin A, maize with high beta carotene, and biofortification of vitamin C in lettuce are examples of GM crops with high nutritional value.


Disadvantages of GMOs

Health Issues

As GM crops are created by inserting DNA from a foreign body or another source, the new DNA would be likely to cause health problems. GM crops may lead to allergies in people who would be sensitive to food.

Toxin Production

Toxins are produced by a plant when an organism receives a gene in which the DNA is incorporated, may cause damage to the host plant, or when the organism which receives a gene rejects it. A person consuming food that produces toxins will suffer from health problems.

Antibiotic-Resistant gene

When the crops are modified, Along with foreign DNA, a gene that is antibiotic-resistant is also incorporated into plant cells. Antibiotic-resistant gene is added to create healthy crops. A person consuming this food will not be affected by antibiotics. 

Contamination

The release of genetic material from GM crops to other crops may cause contamination.  The type of contamination will be in the form of pollen spreading in the air, seed dispersal, etc. When these seeds spread and grow on other land,  may cause contamination of other agricultural crops.  It can create pollution in the environment and can harm the biodiversity of the ecosystem.

Decreased Flavor

Genetically modified crops have no taste or flavor. Genetic modification of crops plays a role in enhancing the growth, production, and lifespan of crops rather than ignoring their nutritional flavor and taste. It produces crops with insect-resistance and pesticide resistance which has reduced phytochemicals oxidants. 

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