Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) provide substantial benefits for farmers and consumers when used in an agricultural context. With scientists utilizing modern advances in biotechnology, GMOs are being developed to enhance many aspects of crop production. The modifications are designed to increase the crop yield, quality, nutritional content, and potential on-farm sustainability. In addition, there is the potential for more efficient use of environmental resources.
The most widely used application of GMOs in agriculture is for crop plants with built-in resistance to certain pest insects. This explains the success of the well-known Bt corn and Bt cotton, which contain Bt toxin proteins that can protect the crop from insect attack. Such traits have revolutionized agricultural practices since they are fully integrated into the plant so insect prevention is persistent throughout the season.
In some cases, the use of GMOs has enabled the successful cultivation of plants in areas with otherwise challenging cultivation conditions. A prime example of a crop that was modified to overcome growing environments with salinity, flooding and other erratic climatic conditions is salt-tolerant rice. This has helped to offset some of the losses that would have otherwise been caused by natural disasters.
An important role for GMOs in agriculture is to improve the nutritional quality of crops. For instance, Vitamin A fortified Golden Rice has been enhanced to combat cholesterol and some forms of blindness. Additionally, oil containing healthier fatty acids can be produced in Canola and other plant varieties. Similarly, because of their higher protein content, GMOs are being developed as animal feed.
In addition to its effectiveness in agriculture, genetic modification of crops presents a great potential for the development of bioremediation techniques. By introducing certain genes into the soil, plants are being developed for the purpose of removing contaminants from the environment by means of their root systems. On the other hand, the introduction of certain genes from different species into the same plant has been used to produce what are termed as bivoltine hybrid plants, which require fewer resources and man hours for increased yields.
Herbicide Tolerance
Herbicide-tolerant GMOs are among the most widely cultivated crops today. When a crop is modified to be tolerant of an herbicide, the crop will not be killed when the herbicide is applied. This supports a more efficient weed management system since the eliminating some of the time-consuming mechanical weeding. Thus, the herbicide-tolerant crop can reduce labor costs, water needs and lower the barriers of entry for new farmers.
Herbicide-tolerant crops have been adopted widely by farmers because they reduce time and labor efforts required for weeding and spraying, as well as minimize the use of tillage. The combination of reduced irrigation and labor costs have translated into significantly improved yields. In terms of environmental benefits, reduced tillage practices can improve soil structure, water infiltration, and carbon sequestration.
Plant Hybrids
Plant hybrids are another common type of GMO and are developed through crossbreeding of two different varieties of the same species, usually to maximize yield and other desirable characteristics. For example, when two varieties with different flowering periods are crossed, the new hybrid can be grown in cooler temperate regions where one variety would not normally be successful.
Such hybrids provide more stability and predictability in yields, as possible fluctuations caused by pests or changing climates are lessened. When compared with non-GMO plant varieties that undergo selective breeding, GMOs have been shown to have higher yields and improved resistance to some pests, as well as offer the possibility of greater nutritional value.
Disease Resistance
Genetic modification is also used to create plants that are more resistant to disease. This is a great advantage for farmers as losses caused by pest and disease related problems can be reduced significantly. For example, a variety of disease-resistant papaya was developed through the use of genetic engineering techniques which allowed it to be resistant to the papaya ringspot virus.
In addition to its benefits in terms of protecting crops from disease, genetic engineering has also enabled some of the more advanced techniques for preventing certain pollutants from entering the food chain. In the future, this could be extended to incorporate other contaminants as well.
Biofortification
Biofortification of crops is the process of increasing their nutritional value. This can be done by introducing certain genes that increase the amount of a nutrient present in the crop, or by adding genes that modulate absorption or utilization of nutrients. A clear example of this is the recent development of a vitamin A-rich corn, which is one of the most popular biofortified crops. This is important not only because it increases the nutritional value of a staple crop, but also because it can help reduce cases of Vitamin A deficiency, where good nutrition is lacking.
Other examples of biofortified crops include iron-rich sorghum and protein-rich maize, which can help fight malnutrition in resource-poor areas. Additionally, some researchers are developing methods for improving the nutrient content of bananas and other popular crops. These are all promising projects that could lead to an improved quality of life for those living in need.
Flavor Enhancement
Finally, genetic modification of plants can be used to enhance the flavor of specific crops. For instance, tomatoes have been modified to enhance levels of umami, which is described as a savory taste. This has made it possible to create better quality tomatoes, which are now preferred by consumers over naturally occurring varieties.
Similarly, other fruits and vegetables, such as cucumbers and apples, have been modified to produce more flavor-enhancing compounds. These not only improve taste, but can also lead to greater customer satisfaction due to their higher quality.
Pest Control
Pest control is another major area in which GMOs are used. Genetic engineering techniques have enabled scientists to create plants that produce their own insecticides, such as Bt corn and Bt cotton. These crops are able to repel insect pests without the need for additional chemicals, resulting in increased yields while using fewer resources.
In addition to producing their own insecticides, some plants are being developed to emit hormones that make it hard for pests to reproduce or attract predators to the pests themselves. Other strategies include creating plants comprising genes that control the fertility of their own pollen, or to make their pollen distasteful or toxic to certain insects. These genes have resulted in improved resistance to insect pests, and have the potential to result in significant cost and time savings for farmers.
Environmental Benefits
GMOs offer way to preserve the environment by supporting more sustainable agricultural practices. For example, genetically modified crops that are tolerant of certain herbicides can be used in place of tilling, which is an energy-intensive process. The use of herbicides can also lead to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, as less fuel is consumed in the process.
The use of GMOs for pest control may also reduce the need for the use of chemical pesticides, which often increase with traditional farming methods. This can result in a cleaner environment and a reduced health risk to human populations. Additionally, some genetically modified crops are being researched for their potential to reduce soil erosion and improve water retention, thus contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.
Conclusion
Genetically modified organisms have a wide range of applications in agriculture, ranging from improved pest control to nutritional enhancement. Along with increased yields and improved taste, the use of GMOs brings various environmental benefits as well, such as cleaner water and air, reduced energy consumption, and better soil conservation. As a result, farmers can make cost and time savings, while consumers are able to enjoy more nutritious and safer food.
