Genetically engineered (GE) or genetically modified (GM) crops are plants whose DNA has been altered using biotechnology to introduce beneficial traits such as pest resistance, herbicide tolerance, improved nutrition, or stress tolerance. These crops have been widely developed and adopted around the world to improve agricultural efficiency and food quality.
Here are some well-known examples of genetically engineered crops:
1. Bt Cotton
Bt cotton contains a gene from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) that enables the plant to produce a natural insecticidal protein. This protects the crop from major pests like bollworms and reduces the need for chemical pesticides.
2. Bt Corn (Maize)
Similar to Bt cotton, Bt corn produces proteins that kill insect pests such as the European corn borer. It helps increase yield and lowers pesticide use while maintaining crop quality.
3. Herbicide-Tolerant Soybean
Soybean plants have been genetically modified to tolerate specific herbicides, such as glyphosate. This allows farmers to control weeds effectively without damaging the crop.
4. Golden Rice
Golden Rice has been engineered to produce beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A. It was developed to combat vitamin A deficiency, which is a major public health issue in developing countries.
5. Virus-Resistant Papaya
Papaya plants were engineered with a gene from the Papaya Ringspot Virus (PRSV), making them resistant to this disease. This modification saved the papaya industry in Hawaii from severe losses.
6. Bt Brinjal (Eggplant)
Bt brinjal is engineered to resist the fruit and shoot borer, a major pest that affects yield and quality. It reduces pesticide usage and increases productivity.
7. Genetically Modified Tomato (Flavr Savr)
The Flavr Savr tomato was the first commercially grown GM crop. It was engineered to delay ripening, extending shelf life and reducing spoilage during transport.
8. Drought-Tolerant Maize
Developed to withstand low-water conditions, this maize variety helps farmers in regions facing droughts and erratic rainfall, improving food security.
9. Genetically Modified Canola
Canola has been engineered for herbicide tolerance, allowing efficient weed control and higher oil yield. It is widely used in cooking oil and animal feed.
10. Potato (Innate Potato)
The Innate potato has been modified to resist bruising and produce less acrylamide (a potential carcinogen) when fried. It also has improved storage properties.
11. Arctic Apple
This apple variety is genetically modified to prevent browning when cut or bruised. It stays fresh-looking longer and reduces food waste.
12. Rainbow Papaya
A variety of GM papaya that combines disease resistance with high yield and fruit quality. It is one of the most successful examples of disease control through genetic engineering.
In summary, genetically engineered crops like Bt cotton, Golden Rice, and herbicide-tolerant soybeans demonstrate how biotechnology can enhance crop resistance, improve nutrition, reduce chemical use, and support sustainable agriculture.