Genetic improvement of crops has been a cornerstone of agriculture and horticulture for centuries. Traditionally, genetic modification was achieved through selection and hybridization.
However, Advanced techniques such as biotechnology, gene editing and genetic engineering have opened up new possibilities. These techniques have enormous potential for the future, as they allow for the development of more varied crops with higher yields and improved resistance to pests and diseases.
What is genetic modification of crops?
Genetic modification of plants consists of adding a fragment of DNA to their genome to give them new characteristics, such as improved growth, greater resistance to disease, or the ability to better utilize nutrients.
This benefits agriculture by enabling more sustainable practices and improving food safety by reducing pesticide use. For gardening, this translates into more robust and productive plants.
Benefits of genetic improvement
More and better food: Thanks to genetic improvement, crops produce more. For example, a variety of corn can produce more grains, and soybeans can have more protein, giving us more nutritious foods.
Less chemicals: Modified plants are stronger and more resistant to pests and diseases. This means that farmers don't need to use as many pesticides, which is better for the environment and our health.
Stronger crops: Genetically improved plants are better adapted to difficult conditions, such as drought or poor soil. This makes agriculture more sustainable and helps us ensure that food is always available.
Genetic improvement techniques
Selective improvement: The oldest and most common technique. Plants with desired traits are selected and bred so that their offspring inherit those characteristics, such as disease resistance or improved flavor.
Hybridization: It involves crossing two genetically different varieties to create a new hybrid with the desired characteristics. It is a widely used method for developing new, more resistant varieties of fruits and vegetables.
Biotechnology: Scientists manipulate an organism's DNA to produce specific traits, such as increased resistance to pests, better flavor, or higher yield.
Gene editing: A technique that allows precise alterations to DNA to enhance certain traits. For example, it has been used to create wheat varieties resistant to rust.
Modified crops in home gardens and orchards
Although most genetically modified crops are grown on a large scale, some genetically modified varieties are also available to gardeners and small-scale producers.
The objective in these cases is usually to obtain plants that are more resistant to common diseases or with characteristics that facilitate its cultivation in domestic environments.
The home garden can also benefit from genetically modified plants used as ground cover. These plants are not just for harvesting, but to benefit the soil and the ecosystem.
These modified plants can control erosion, suppress weeds, and improve soil compaction, greatly increasing soil nutrients. attract pollinators and provide a better habitat for beneficial insects.
Examples of ground cover plants include crimson clover and grasses such as oats, which can be used to improve soil health.
One factor to keep in mind is that the availability of seeds for these types of crops is often difficult for home gardeners to obtain.
For instance, Some tomato varieties have been modified to be more resistant to certain viruses. or fungi that often affect home gardens. You can also find varieties of zucchini or peppers with greater resistance to specific pests.
In the case of flowers, genetic modification It has been used to create varieties with more intense colors or with longer flowering, which can be very attractive to gardeners.
It is important for gardeners interested in growing this type of crop to be well informed about the varieties available in their region and about local regulations regarding genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
As in large-scale agriculture, the use of these varieties in gardens and orchards can reduce the need for pesticides and facilitate the cultivation of healthier and more productive plants.
What types of crops or plants are genetically modified?
In the United States, the most common GM varieties are corn, soybeans, cotton, squash, sugar beets, and canola. There are also varieties of apples resistant to browning, potatoes and EggplantsAlthough these products are available to consumers, many countries have banned their importation and cultivation, such as:
• Algeria.
• Kyrgyzstan.
• Bhutan.
• Madagascar.
• Peru.
• Russia.
• Venezuela.
• Zimbabwe.
It is important to consider that if all countries banned these foods, More pesticides would be used and greenhouse gas emissions would increase, which would contribute to global warming.
The future of crop genetic improvement and its challenges
The future of genetic improvement promises to further revolutionize agriculture and gardening. Scientists are researching new techniques to develop crops that are not only resistant to pests and diseases, but can also tolerate extreme conditions such as drought and soil salinity, thus adapting to climate change.
In addition, work is underway to create foods with improved nutritional profiles, including more vitamins and minerals, to help combat malnutrition worldwide. Food biofortification, for example, is a technique that seeks to increase the nutritional value of essential crops.
However, The use of these technologies also raises ethical challenges and questions. It is important to discuss the safety of genetically modified foods and their long-term impact on the environment.
Clear and transparent communication with the public, as well as adequate regulation, are key to ensuring that these innovations benefit all of society.
As science advances, the conversation about how to use these tools responsibly and sustainably becomes increasingly relevant to the future of global food.
Impact on agriculture and gardening
Genetic improvement has had an enormous impact, especially in developing countries, where has helped increase food production and reduce shortages. In addition, food quality has improved, such as a 14% increase in protein content in soybeans.
Finally, crop genetic improvement has evolved from traditional selection to advanced techniques such as biotechnology and gene editing.
These tools have great potential for the future of farming and gardening., offering more variety, higher yields and better resistance, bringing us closer to a more sustainable and prosperous world.