INTRODUCTION

Plants which have been genetically altered to express a desirable trait are call
ed Genetically modified (GM) crops
Herbicide resistance
Virus resistance
Insecticides
Environmental Tolerance
Increased nutritional value
TECHNIQUES
Most common method is by using Agrobacterium tumefaciens (CSU 2000)
Soil bacteria containing a tumor inducing (Ti) plasmid.
Isolate the gene containing the desirable trait
Insert this gene into the Ti plasmid of Agrobacterium
Remove the tumor inducing genes of the plasmid, and infect the plant cells
Regenerate transformed cells into viable plants
WHY DO IT?
Rice
- not high in essential nutrients
Modification:
+ daffodil genes and a bacterium = beta-carotene content drastically increased
+ genes from a french bean = double the iron content.
Tomatoes
- Introduce genes to increase shelf life.
TRANSGENIC TOMATOES (FlavrSavr)
OTHERS APPLICATIONS
Potato
- modified to produce a beetle killing toxin
Yellow squash
modified to contain to viral genes that resistant the most common viral diseases
Canola
modified to resist one type of herbicide or pesticide
ETHICAL ISSUES
While it is evident that there is a food supply issue, the question is whether G
M can solve world hunger problems, or even if that would be the best way to addr
ess the issue.
Several scientists argue that in order to meet the demand for food in the develo
ping world, a second green revolution with increased use of GM crops is needed.
Others argue that there is more than enough food in the world and that the hunge
r crisis is caused by problems in food distribution and politics, not production
.
"Genetic modification is analogous to nuclear power: nobody loves it, but climat
e change has made its adoption imperative," Paul Collier
Some people accuse the scientists for "playing God" due to the tampering of natu
re by mixing various genes

Access and Intellectual Property

- Domination of world food production by a few companies and developing countrie
s.
BANS ON GM CROPS
On February 9, 2010, Indian Environment Minister, Jairam Ramesh, imposed a morat
orium on the cultivation of GMF "for as long as it is needed to establish public
trust and confidence".
His decision was made after protest from several groups responding to regulatory
approval of the cultivation of Bt Brinjal, a GM eggplant in October, 2009.
In April 2004, Hugo Chávez announced a total ban on genetically modified seeds in
Venezuela.
IPR ISSUES
Enforcement of patents on genetically modified plants is often contentious, espe
cially because of gene flow. In 1998, 95-98 percent of about 10 km2 planted with
canola by Canadian farmer Percy Schmeiser were found to contain Monsanto Compan
y's patented Roundup Ready gene although Schmeiser had never purchased seed from
Monsanto.
The initial source of the plants was undetermined, and could have been through e
ither gene flow or intentional theft. However, the overwhelming predominance of
the trait implied that Schmeiser must have intentionally selected for it.
The court determined that Schmeiser had saved seed from areas on and adjacent to
his property where Roundup had been sprayed, such as ditches and near power pol
es.
WHO USES THIS TECHNOLOGY?
BENEFITS
Higher yielding crops, more efficient use of land
Can save money and promote higher profits
Longer shelf life, less waste
Enhanced taste and quality
Reduced maturation time
EXAMPLES OF GM CROPS
Alfalfa & Soybeans
- Resistant to glyphosate or glufosinate herbicides
Cotton (cottonseed oil)
- Pest-resistant cotton
Sugar cane
- Resistance to certain pesticides, high sucrose content.
CONCLUSION
Right approach to GM crops is one that is cautiously optimistic.
We will need to find a way to increase food output in the future
More food will not be sufficient without addressing the political and economic i
ssues
Research should be allowed and encouraged to continue to address safety and heal
th concerns
THE END