Genetically Modified Organism (Transgenic Organism)
According to WHO, Genetically modified organisms are the organisms in which genetic material has been altered in a way that does not occur in natural recombination.
Uses:
- They are the plants used in agriculture, whose DNA has been modified to induce a desired new trait.
- A New trait might help in
- Controlling certain pests, diseases, or environmental conditions,
- Inducing resistance to chemical treatments (e.g. resistance to an herbicide),
- Improving the nutrient profile of the crop,
- Atmospheric nitrogen fixation by cereal crops,
- Inducing tolerance to high salt soils and to flooding in crops,
- Inducing drought resistance in crops,
- Prolonging shelf life and commercial value of fruits and vegetables.
Major GM Crops
Bt Cotton
- Bt cotton is insect-resistant cotton variety.
- Strains of the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis produce different Bt toxins.
- Bt toxins are insecticidal to the larvae of moths, bollworms, etc. but are harmless to other forms of life.
- In 2002, a joint venture between Monsanto and Mahyco introduced Bt cotton to India.
Advantages
- Increases yield of cotton due to effective control of three types of bollworms.
- Reduction in insecticide use in the cultivation of Bt cotton in which bollworms are major pests.
- Potential reduction in the cost of cultivation (depending on seed cost versus insecticide costs).
Bt Brinjal
- Brinjal is India’s second most consumed vegetable after potatoes.
- Bt brinjal is created by inserting a crystal protein gene from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis.
Golden rice
- Golden rice is a variety of rice (Oryza sativa) produced to biosynthesize beta-carotene, a precursor of Vitamin A, in the edible parts of rice.
- It is mostly consumed in areas with a shortage of dietary vitamin A.
Benefits of GMO
Crops
- Increased nutrients, yields, and stress tolerance.
- Improved resistance to disease, pests, and herbicides.
- New products and growing techniques.
Animals
- Increased resistance, productivity, hardness, and feed efficiency.
- Better yields of meat, eggs, and milk.
- Improved animal health and diagnostic methods.
Environment
- Conservation of soil, water and energy.
- Bioprocessing for forestry products.
- Better waste management.
Society
- Increased food security for growing population.