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| 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.
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| 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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