WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF GENETIC ENGINEERING?
The goals of genetic engineering are the same as with traditional breeding. They may aim to improve crop performance in the field by conferring pest and disease resistance, herbicide resistance, or tolerance to environmental stresses (such as drought or flooding). They may also aim to develop products with enhanced value, such as improved post-harvest life, nutritional value, or other health benefits. Insect resistance In the last few years, several crops have been genetically engineered to produce their own Bt proteins, making them resistant to specific groups of insects. “Bt” is short for Bacillus thuringiensis, a soil bacterium that contains a protein that is toxic to a narrow range of insects, but not harmful to animals or humans. Applications of Bt bacteria have been used to control insect pests for many years, before the advent of the current Bt crops made using biotechnology. Varieties of Bt insect-resistant corn and cotton are now in commercial production. Other crops being inv
