SPECIAL FEATURE
e . g ., through the introduction of a gene from a different organism .”
However , we also need to understand that “ gene-editing ” will be considered a genetically engineered ( GE ) product in many circles . For instance , scientists have isolated the DNA from white button mushrooms responsible for browning these mushrooms in their aging process . They didn ’ t add an item to the product / vegetable ; they deleted one .
Whichever definition you prefer , let ’ s also understand that we will also hear these synonyms for GMOs — GE products and transgenics . We can use these interchangeably .
HOW DOES THIS DIFFER FROM TRADITIONAL BREEDING ?
In the past , classical breeding reproduction would only occur between closely related species ( e . g ., corn to corn or a closely related species ). The overall goal of most plant breeders is to develop plant varieties with preferred agronomic characteristics . With GE products , any gene from any organism can be transferred to another organism . As an ongoing example , DNA from a bacterium such as Bacillus thuringiensis ( Bt ) can be transferred into corn or cotton .
Initially , GE crops were planted with but one concept in mind : to make the crop weed resistant or more resistant to a particular pest . Now we see “ stacked ” traits , where more than one action is ongoing with the plant species . The manufacturer may be trying to fight both pests and weeds ( or similar combinations ) within the same GM seed . Therefore , they are “ stacking ” the traits within the seed .
WHAT GE CROPS ARE GROWN IN THE UNITED STATES ? The growth of GMO crops has steadily increased since their introduction in 1996 . The FLAVR SAVR was introduced earlier , but a full-scale introduction of GMO crops was initiated in 1996 . In the United States alone , as of 2018 , more than 185 million acres are planted with GE seeds . The top 10 crops in the United States ( according to 2018 ISAAA statistics 1 ), in order of the most prolific growth or agricultural adaptation , are the following .
1 . Soybeans 2 . Corn 3 . Cotton 4 . Canola / Rapeseed 5 . Sugar Beets
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