ARS | Publication request: Prospects for Genetic Engineering in Plants

Submitted to: Book of Abstracts for the West Virginia Academy of Sciences Meeting Program
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: May 16, 2006
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Genetically modified plants now constitute a significant portion of the worlds agricultural output. Genetically modified corn, soybean, canola, rice, and cotton are being adopted by growers in both industrialized and developing nations at an increasing rate. The most popular products have been engineered with increased resistance to herbicides and/or pathogens, and are being marketed to growers as easier to manage, more cost effective, and environmentally friendly. Newer food and fiber products under development include those with improved or new nutritional benefits, increased productivity, hypoallergenic properties, improved wood and fiber qualities, increased stress tolerance, and aesthetic modifications of ornamental species. Genetically modified plants are also being developed for non-traditional agricultural uses such as animal and human vaccine/pharmaceutical production and bioenergy. It remains uncertain whether or not these technologies will become permanently integrated into world agricultural production.