Genetically Modified Plants

Abstract

The genetic modification of plants is now an established tool for plant breeders in many parts of the world, with the area of land used for genetically modified (GM) crop cultivation rising to 170 million hectares by 2012. This article puts genetic modification of plants into the context of scientific plant breeding, and describes the techniques that are used to transform plants and that define the term genetically modified. The design of transgenes is described, as is the use of selectable and visible marker genes. The use of GM crops in commercial agriculture is covered in detail, including GM crops that may be developed for commercial use in the near future. The barriers to the continued development of crop biotechnology are considered, notably the cost, the associated issue of regulatory compliance and the problem of consumer acceptance. The consequences of science losing the GM crop debate are discussed. Key Concepts: Genetic modification (GM) is a term used to describe the artificial introduction of a gene or genes into an organism's genome. Genetic modification is now an established tool in plant breeding in many parts of the world. Genetically modified crops were grown on 170 million hectares of land in 2012. ‘Input’ traits such as herbicide tolerance and insect resistance are by far the most successful GM traits. Other GM traits in commercial crops include virus resistance, modified oil content, increased nutritional value, drought tolerance and the synthesis of high‐value, nonfood products (biopharming). Increased vitamin A content, improved food safety and bioremediation are targets for GM crop programmes that may be commercialised in the next few years. GM is the most heavily regulated area of plant breeding, and over‐regulation is a significant barrier to the development of the technology. Consumer acceptance of GM crops remains a difficult issue in some regions, notably Europe.