Plant genetic engineering and genetically modified crop breeding: history and current status

Abstract

This review charts the major developments in the genetic manipulation of plant cells that have taken place since the first gene transfer experiments using Ti plasmids in 1983. Tremendous progress has been made in both our scientific understanding and technological capabilities since the first genetically modified (GM) crops were developed with single gene resistances to herbicides, insects, viruses, and the silencing of undesirable genes. Despite opposition in some parts of the world, the area planted with first generation GM crops has grown from 1.7 Mhm 2 in 1996 to 179.7 Mhm 2 in 2015. The toolkit available for genetic modification has expanded greatly since 1996 and recently Nobel Laureates have called on Greenpeace to end their blanket opposition, and plant scientists have urged that consideration be given to the benefits of GM crops based on actual evidence. It is now possible to use GM to breed new crop cultivars resistant to a much wider range of pests and diseases, and to produce crops better able to adapt to climate change. The advent of new CRISPR-based technologies makes it possible to contemplate a much wider range of improvements based on transfer of new metabolic pathways and traits to improve nutritional quality, with a much greater degree of precision. Use of GM, sometimes in conjunction with other approaches, offers great opportunities for improving food quality, safety, and security in a changing world.

Designing a More Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly Food Supply: A Roadmap for Future Food and Agricultural Research

“…Advanced genetic tools allow researchers to create plants with traits that could not be achieved in a reasonable timeframe using conventional methods, such as selective breeding and crossbreeding. 43 Modern gene editing and transfer methods also enable scientists to alter the genes in agricultural crops more precisely than was previously possible. 44 These genetic technologies will play a critical role in ensuring there is enough food for the growing global population.…”

Biotechnological Advances to Improve Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Crops

“…A valuable tool for plant transformation was the construction of the pBIN19 binary vector, which has been widely used [ 176 , 177 ]. Since then, an increasing number of important crops and a great variety of plant species have been genetically transformed by using A. tumefaciens [ 178 ]. Depending on the plant species, different explant sources may be used to be transformed [ 139 , 144 , 179 ].…”

Impact of Genetic Engineering on Agriculture Applications

“…Predictions for a good monsoon, particularly in northern India, where states such as Haryana and Punjab are advising farmers to choose maize, improve the cropping pattern. [12].…”