APPLICATION OF BIOTECHNOLOGY AND GENETIC ENGINEERING IN CROP IMPROVEMENT

1. APPLICATION OF BIOTECHNOLOGY AND GENETIC ENGINEERING IN CROP IMPROVEMENT

2. Lower yield potential of varieties • Land decreasing • Biotic stresses • Abiotic Stresses • Nutrient deficiency Low yield What are the problems? Scarcity of quality crops Lack of genetic variation among close relatives of crops Arable land decreasing

3. What are the challenges? • Increasing yield potential of crop varieties • Developing stress tolerance/resistance for biotic and abiotic stresses in crop varieties • Developing good quality varieties with enhanced nutrients, agronomic features and commercial attributes

4. What is Biotechnology? Biotechnology is broadly defined as any technique that uses live organisms viz. bacteria, viruses, fungi, yeast, animal cells, plant cells etc. to make or modify a product, to improve plants or animals or to engineer micro-organisms for specific uses. It encompasses genetic engineering, inclusive of enzyme and protein engineering plant and animal tissue culture technology, biosensors for biological monitoring, bioprocess and fermentation technology. Biotechnology is essentially and interdisciplinary are consisting of biochemistry, molecular chemistry, molecular and microbiology, genetics and immunology etc. it is concerned with up-gradation of quality and also utilization of livestock and plants and resources for the well being of both animals and plants. 

5. What are the tools used in biotechnology? Gene Cloning - identification and isolation of specific DNA fragments that are introduced into a self-replicating genetic element so that the fragment can be reproduced and expressed in the target organism. Tissue Culture - a technique that involves culturing plant parts and animal cells under laboratory conditions. Microbial culture - a method of multiplying microbial organisms. DNA-marker technology - involves the identification of DNA fragments associated with a certain desired trait and its utilization. Genetic Engineering - the manipulation, introduction, and expression of specific genes or DNA in the target organisms. This is the method used in developing genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The technology is often called “modern biotechnology” or “gene technology,” and sometimes, “recombinant DNA technology.”

6. How B&GE contribute in crop improvement? • Shortening of Breeding cycle: • - through tissue culture techniques • - Use of Marker assisted selection (MAS) • Improve quality: tissue culture, somaclonal variation, gene insertion, genetic transformation, e.g. GMOs, Bt resistant crops • Creating genetic variation: somaclonal variation • Transferring male sterility, apomictic genes, etc.