Insight into the Genetically Modified Foods: From the Concerns of Safety to Food Development (Part II)

Abstract

There are a lot of non-food uses of GM plants like timber, use to manufacture paper, in the chemical industry and as biofuels. Pharmaceuticals made from proteins can be made from GM plants. Plant tissues in the processed shape can be used potentially as edible vaccines. According to an estimate, 250 acres of greenhouse space can be enough to let the GM potatoes grow and meet the annual demand of hepatitis B vaccine in the whole South East Asia. Any harmful effect on the environment through large-scale growth of GM plants can indirectly show impacts upon human health. GM plants are also evaluated on the basis of how they might have a constructive role to perform in the environment by partial removal of contaminants -a practice often termed as phytoremediation. A lot of NGOs and media organizations are ruthlessly opposed to production of GM plants. Scientists need to engage the common man to ensure that the issue demands more rational approach of thinking. The opposition is making serious impacts as many underdeveloped countries that can get a lot of advantage from this technology.

Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Between Resistant and Susceptible Rice Cultivars Responding to Striped Stem Borer (SSB), Chilo suppressalis (Walker) Infestation

“…Agricultural biotechnology has been extensively explored to solve these problems in China, and genetic engineering approaches have raised the possibility of achieving high levels of resistance to stem borers in rice ( Vila et al, 2005 ). However, such genetic engineering approaches are technically difficult, and their long term effects and safety have not yet been determined ( Chow et al, 2016 ). Screening rice varieties for high levels of resistance to the striped stem borer is an effective strategy for pest management.…”