The role of plant biotechnology within modern agriculture with special emphasis on Europe

Abstract

Biotechnology has been given various definitions and due to a misconception many people imagine that 'biotechnology' only refers to techniques involving Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and genetic engineering. However, it is a broad term applied to all practical uses for living organisms. Biotechnology has been in practice for thousands of years as early farmers would collect seeds from the wild to cultivate on their farms, thus succeeding in obtaining higher quality produce and yield. Man has always carried his "improved" seeds throughout his migration steps. Plant introduction may be considered an improvement per se, and historically major plant introductions were those from and to the American continent. However it was Mendel who, for the first time, approached experimentally the understanding of heredity mechanisms, and a further understanding of genetics was obtained with the discovery of DNA which led to the development of plant and animal breeding and more complex aspects of biotechnology. The Maltese Islands mainly utilise biotechnology for diagnostic purposes and multiplication while the other Mediterranean countries are more concerned with conservation of plant genetic diversity and pest management. Within the EU, biotechnology has been the cause of much controversy. This is not so within the Latin America and Caribbean region where their reliance on GM crops has been increasing. Further beneficial uses of biotechnology include nature conservation through increased yields, improved plant water and nutrient use efficiency and lower use of artificial nutrients and pesticides. All in all, biotechnology will lead towards higher food security and will greatly help in achieving some of the Millennium Development Goals set out by the United Nations. Therefore it is of great importance to continue improving such techniques and through scientific research prove that GM products are safe for human consumption.