Genetic Engineering for Crop Improvement

Author(s):  
Robert T. Fraley ◽  
Stephen G. Rogers ◽  
Robert B. Horsch ◽  
Ganesh M. Kishore ◽  
Roger N. Beachy ◽  
...  
Author(s):  
B. D. Harrison

SynopsisSome of the most successful early applications of genetic engineering in crop improvement have been in the production of virus-resistant plants. This has been achieved not by the transfer of naturally occurring resistance genes from one plant species or variety to another but by transformation with novel resistance genes based on nucleotide sequences derived from the viruses themselves or from virus-associated nucleic acids. Transformation of plants with a DNA copy of the particle protein gene of viruses that have positive-sense single-stranded RNA genomes typically confers resistance to infection with the homologous and closely related viruses. Transformation with a gene that is transcribed to produce a benign viral satellite RNA can confer virus-specific tolerance of infection. In addition, recent work with viral poly-merase gene-related sequences offers much promise, and research is active on other strategies such as the use of virus-specific ribozymes.Already the field trialling of plants incorporating transgenic virus resistance has begun, with encouraging results, and effects on virus spread are being studied. Deployment strategies for the resistant plants must now be devised and the conjectural hazards of growing them assessed. Genetically engineered virus resistance promises to make a major contribution to the control of plant virus diseases by non-chemical methods.


The development and marketing of novel technology by the chemical industry has been a fundamental ingredient in the improvement of crop yields. Further advances will result from the continuing development of more effective pesticides. Improved application technology and better diagnosis of precise crop requirements will also lead to the more efficient usage of existing and future products. New approaches to crop improvement based on chemical plant-growth regulators and genetic engineering of plants represent major technological opportunities for the future. Realization of these opportunities demands a substantially increased investment in basic plant research, a requirement already recognized within the chemical industry.


EDIS ◽  
1969 ◽  
Vol 2003 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Gallo-Meagher ◽  
Stephen G. Fulford

Biotechnology, specifically genetic engineering, is the manipulation of an organism's DNA in order to direct that organism to perform a specific and useful task. This is usually accomplished by transferring a section of DNA, or gene, from one organism to another. In agriculture, plant biotechnology is used for crop improvement. This document is SS-AGR-191, one of a series of the Agronomy Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Published May 2003. 


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document