how Biotechnology works  I  a brief Biotech Timeline

 

Why Biotechnology matters

Introduction: 

For centuries, humankind has made improvements to crop plants through selective breeding and hydridization -- the controlled pollination of plants. 

Plant biotechnology is an extension of this traditional plant breeding with one very important difference-plant biotechnology allows for the transfer of a greater variety of genetic information in a more precise, controlled manner. 

Traditional plant breeding involves the crossing of hundreds or thousands of genes, whereas plant biotechnology allows for the transfer of only one or a few desirable genes.  This more precise science allows plant breeders to develop crops with specific beneficial traits and without undesirable traits. 

Many of these beneficial traits in new plant varieties fight plant pests-- insects, weeds and diseases -- that can be devastating to crops.  Others provide quality improvements, such as tastier fruits and vegetables;  processing advantages, such as tomatoes with higher solids content; and nutrition enhancements, such as oil seeds that produce oils with lower saturated fat content.

 Crop improvements like these can help provide an abundant, healthful food supply and protect our environment for future generations.

Why Biotechnology matters

Many people are beginning to appreciate more deeply the bonds between human well-being, social stability and the natural processes of the earth that sustain all life.  They are realizing that the earth’s capacity to continue providing clean air and water, productive soils and a rich diversity of plant and animal life is central to ensuring quality of life for ourselves and our descendants.

Current population growth is already straining the earth’s resources.  One of the few certainties of the future is that the world’s population will nearly double, reaching almost 10 billion inhabitants by the year 2030.  According to Ismail Serageldin of the World Bank, "Biotechnology will be a crucial part of expanding agricultural productivity in the 21^st century.  If safely deployed, it could be a tremendous help in meeting the challenge of feeding an additional three billion human beings, 95% of them in the poor developing countries, on the same amount of land and water currently available."

 Biotechnology, which allows the transfer of a gene for a specific trait from one plant variety or species to another, is one important piece of the puzzle of sustainable development.

 Experts assert that biotechnology innovations will triple crop yields without requiring any additional farmland, saving valuable rain forests and animal habitats.  Other innovations can reduce or eliminate reliance on pesticides and herbicides that may contribute to environmental degradation.  Still others can preserve precious groundsoils and water resources. 

Most experts agree that the world doesn’t have the luxury of waiting to act.  By working now to put in place the technology and the infrastructure required to meet future food needs, we can feed the world for centuries to come and improve the quality of life for people worldwide.

  how Biotechnology works  I  a brief Biotech Timeline