Sustainability
Genetically
What are GM Crops?
Genetically modified crops (GM crops) are plants used in agriculture, the DNA of which has been modified using genetic engineering techniques. More than 10% of the world’s crop lands are planted with GM crops.
In most cases, the aim is to introduce a new trait to the plant which does not occur naturally in the species like resistance to certain pests, diseases, environmental conditions, herbicides etc. Genetic Modification is also done to increase nutritional value, bioremediation and for other purposes like the production of pharmaceutical agents, biofuels etc.
Do We Really Need GM Crops?
Do We Really Need GM Crops?
First, genetically modified (GM) plants are used as a quick way to prove that a gene that is supposed to provide a new characteristic to a plant is actually doing the job.
Second, genetic modification offers the possibility to accelerate the introduction of a gene to provide a better characteristic (better resistance to a disease, better yield, better tolerance to drought, etc.) into a crop compared to classical breeding.
Third, genetic modification enables crops to acquire completely new functions that are otherwise brought by the use of natural or synthetic chemicals.
Finally, GMOs can be produced to protect a crop against an herbicide that is used to control weeds.
GM Crops?
GMC in India
GMC have been the topic of many food discussions. With so much talk of GMOs and GM foods, you may be surprised to know there are currently only eight genetically modified crops available in the United States and Canada. Three more have been approved but are not yet available in the market
Corn (field & sweet)
The GM version of field corn protects the crop against corn rootworms and the Asian corn borer. Like GM field corn, GM sweet corn also protects the crop against destructive pests.
Soybeans
The GM soybean plant is resistant to pests and disease as well as being tolerant of herbicides that are most effective, allowing for less herbicide use overall.
Cotton
GM cotton requires fewer pesticides and protects against the cotton bollworm.
Canola
Canola has been modified through biotechnology to make it tolerant to some herbicides. This allows for a reduced amount of chemicals needed for weed control. The modified plant also has resistance to pests and fungus.
Alfalfa
The GM version of alfalfa is tolerant of some herbicides, allowing for a reduced amount of chemicals needed for weed control.
Sugar Beets
The GM sugar beet has increased tolerance to some herbicides, allowing for a reduced amount of chemicals needed for weed control. GM sugar beets also have virus and pest resistance traits.
Papaya
The GM version of papaya makes the plant resistant to the prevalent Papaya Ringspot Virus.
Squash
GM squash has traits that improve the plant’s defense against viruses.
Arctic Apple
Developed by Okanagan Specialty Fruits of British Columbia, Canada, this new fruit was developed by turning off the enzyme in apples that cause them to brown when cut, bruised or bitten.
Innate Potato
This new potato that resists browning and has fewer unsightly wasteful bruises has been approved by the USDA for commercial planting.
Aquabounty Salmon
This new salmon is genetically engineered to reach market size more quickly than non-GE farm-raised Atlantic salmon. It is available to consumers in Canada.
Crops:
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BRINJAL
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MUSTARD
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POTATO
Three gm food crops in India -- brinjal, mustard and potato -- awaiting permission for large-scale field trials and seed production, brinjal is the first one to get GEAC approval. But cotton is the only other gm crop permitted in the country.
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