Abstract :
|
The transgenic approaches to crop improvement
have become a vital area of agricultural research, as it can
address various burning issues like increased yield from the
crop, and ability to withstand severe environmental conditions.
In the transgenic approaches, a genetically engineered plant is
generated by altering its genetic composition by adding one or
more genes to a plant's genome using genetic engineering
techniques like biolistic method (particle gun) or Agrobacterium
tumefaciens mediated transformation. Transgenic crops are
now grown commercially on several million hectares,
principally in North America. The predominant crops are maize
(corn), soybean, cotton, and potatoes. In addition, there have
been field trials of transgenics from at least 52 species including
all the major field crops, vegetables, and several herbaceous and
woody species. Some of the important transgenic crops include
FlavrSavr tomato (Improved Shelf Life), GM Cassava and Corn
(Improved nutrition), Golden Rice (Stress Resistance and
Improved Nutrition), papaya, potato, squash and cucumber
(virus resistant), Cowpea and BT Brinjal (Yield enhancement).
Even though there has been substantial progress in transgenic
crops during last two decades, immediate attention is required
on next generation GM crops, which could be -
1. Nutritional biofortification in staple crops and sweet
potato.
2. Resistance to fungus and virus pathogens in potato,
wheat, rice, banana, fruits, vegetables.
3. Resistance to sucking insect pests in rice, fruits,
vegetables.
4. Improved processing and storage in wheat, potato, fruits
and vegetables.
5. Drought tolerance in staple cereal and tuber crops.
Appropriate research in the above areas would make the vital
crops more stable, resulting in better yield.
|