What is the primary goal of genetic engineering in agriculture?

JAMB Agricultural Science 2023 👁 43 views

What is the primary goal of genetic engineering in agriculture?

  1. Enhancing crop yields through traditional breeding methods
  2. Creating genetically modified organisms (GMOs) with desirable traits ✓
  3. Eliminating the use of pesticides and fertilizers in farming
  4. Preserving traditional farming practices and crop varieties

Explanation

Genetic engineering in agriculture aims to improve crop traits beyond what conventional breeding achieves. It creates pest resistance, drought tolerance, enhanced nutrition, and other valuable characteristics.

Examples: Bt crops resist insects, Golden Rice contains vitamin A, herbicide-tolerant crops allow effective weed control without crop damage.

The technology accelerates crop improvement by directly introducing genes rather than waiting for desired traits through breeding.

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