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Agricultural Biotechnology

 

Agrobiotechnology image of apple with slice cut out. Inside of the apple looks like an orange

 

Agrobiotechnology

Agrobiotechnology utilizes various techniques to enhance agricultural practices and crop yields. Genetic engineering, for instance, allows scientists to introduce desirable traits into crops, making them resistant to pests and diseases, tolerant to harsh environments, or even fortified with essential nutrients. Bt cotton, a pest-resistant variety, stands as a testament to this, reducing insecticide use and boosting farmer incomes. Similarly, drought-resistant rice varieties developed through gene editing offer hope for food security in water-scarce regions.

 

 


 

Agrobiotechnology Terms

Here are some of the terms that I discovered during my introduction to agricultural biotechnology.

Agricultural biotechnology is also known as agribiotechnology, agro-biotechnology agribiotech, agbiotech.

Agrobiotechnology is an umbrella term to describe different processes for duplicating biological material.

Agricultural biotechnology is also known as agribiotechnology, agro-biotechnology agribiotech, agbiotech.

GM - Genetically Modified

GMO - Genetically Modified Organism

GE - Genetically Engineered

LMO - Living Modified Organism

Transgenic - Containing genes from another species

Bt Crops - transgenic crops producing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins that kill pests.

Bt - Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a natural soil bacterium that produces crystals containing proteins that are toxic to certain insects.

 

 


 

A closeup of a rack of shelves with open containers full of test tubes containing plant sprouts. A person's arm and hand wearing white is seen reaching for a test tube.

 

Pros and Cons of Agricultural Biotechnology

Advances in agricultural biotechnology may provide farmers and consumers with:

Reduced use of pesticides

Crops resistant to disease

Crops resistant to pests

Increased yields

Reduced production costs

Foods that are nutritionally-enriched

Foods that last longer

Reduced fats

Reduced allergens/food-borne illnesses

New medicines

Reduced use of uncultivated land

Erosion, soil management

Renewable sources of energy

Biodegradable manufacturing materials

 

Risks of Agricultural Biotechnology

Gene Transfer

Unintended effects on humans and other organisms

Pests and weeds naturally developing resistance

 


 

a potato with a smile is wearing a super hero mask and cape

 

Agrobiotechnology and Consumer Foods

The term biotech foods can refer to Genetically Modified Organisms (GM or GMO) foods, or to foods produced using other biotechnology techniques such as: cultured meat (meat that is grown from animal cells in a lab). GMOs are foods that have had their genetic makeup altered in a way that doesn't occur naturally. There are many types of food available to consumers that have been genetically modified, the most common being soy and corn.

Consumers and the Future of Biotech Foods


Agricultural Biotechnology Resources

I search the internet daily for new articles from around the world that interest me or I think will interest you. My hope is that it saves you time or helps students with their assignments. Listed by most recent first, dating back to 2005.


 

 

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FutureForAll.org aims to increase public awareness of rapidly advancing technologies, and to encourage students to consider careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM).