Genetic Manipulation and Product Shelf Life: Is There a Connection? A Developing World Perspective

Abstract

Genetic manipulation of plants is the science where there is deliberate modification of the genetic make up of plants. Such plants are referred to as genetically modified (GM) organisms. The practice of genetic manipulation of organisms has been practiced since ancient times, it is only that nowadays there is use of advanced technologies. However there are critics of GM technologies which include organic farmers, religious groups, environmentalists, trade protectionists, some politicians, some naturalists and African traditionalists. Some of the fears pertain to potential toxicity, allergenicity, possible antibiotic resistance, carcinogenicity and possible genetic contamination of other crops and wild flora. Other concerns include possible creation of new Masarirambi et al.; JEAI, 41(2): 1-7, 2019; Article no.JEAI.51673 2 viruses, restriction of seed availability and fear of the unknown. On the other hand there are benefits which may outweigh the disadvantages of GM technology. Benefits include improvement of shelf life of fruits and vegetables and their nutritional content. The aim of this study (review) was to explore the link between genetic manipulation and product shelf life of fruits and vegetables in a developing world perspective. Mini-review Article

Management of Postharvest Diseases of Vegetables in a Tropical and Sub-tropical Environment of the Kingdom of Eswatini

“…Genetic manipulation/ where permissible is the deliberate change of genetic makeup of an organism in order to obtain desired traits [34,35,36,37,38]. It has been done in vegetables to prolong shelf life after harvest.…”

“…Manipulation of C 2 H 4 technologies in order to suppress its production, perception, signal transduction and action will reduce the rate of senescence of vegetables [39,40] and subsequently reduce relative susceptibility to pathogen attack. Suppression of gene expression through anti-sense technologies of cell wall degrading enzymes: pectin methyl esterase (PME) and polygalacturonase (PG) will help keep cell walls of vegetables intact [36,37,38,39]. Relatively more intact cell walls are less susceptible to postharvest diseases.…”

The Importance of Brassica Vegetables to the Kingdom of Eswatini: A Review

“…Disease management included those of leafy and root Brassicas [19]. Genetic manipulation can be used as a tool of disease management [20,21]. The use of ethylene control technologies and suppression of gene expression of cell wall degrading enzymes pectin methyl esterase (PME) and polygaracturonase (PG) has potential postharvest benefits environmentally, physiologically, pathologically and entomologically [21].…”

Current Status and Development Prospect of Expression Vector Based on Systematic Approach

“…이 는 다양한 호르몬과 성장인자, 사이토카인을 포함한 의약품 의 제조와 질병예방을 위한 백신개발에 기여하였고, 다양한 질환의 진단기반도 제공하였다 [1,2]. 농/축산/양식업에서도 활용되어 병원균이나 제초제에 저항성이 높은 작물을 개발 하였고, 수확기간 단축과 장기보존, 생산량 증대를 위한 유 전자 변형 생물체 (genetically modified organisms, GMO)를 제작하는데도 이용된다 [3,4]. 생물자원을 이용한 재생 가능 한 에너지원 (바이오디젤, 에탄올, 수소 등) 생산에도 적용되 어 화석연료 사용으로 인한 온실가스 배출문제의 대안으로 각광받고 있으며 [5,6], 콜라겐이나 플라스틱 등, 친환경 바 이오소재의 개발에도 기여하고 있다 [7,8].…”