Lear UNE Online Biotechnology in Agriculture Introduction to Biotechnology Biotechnology is best defined as the use of scientific techniques to improve and alter plants, animals, and microorganisms’ value. Over the years, biotechnology has found its way to several fields including medicine, agriculture, genetic engineering, etc. In this article, you will come across the application of biotechnology in agriculture and its role in brief. Application and Important Role of Biotechnology in Agriculture One can define agricultural biotechnology as a set of scientific techniques which can improve plants, micro-organisms, and animals based on DNA and its concepts. Arguably the use of biotechnology in agriculture is deemed to be more effective than that of agrochemicals, The latter is believed to be responsible for causing environmental distress and is also somewhat unfeasible for farmers. The following highlight the few ways in which biotechnology has found its way in agriculture — + Genetic engineering / rDNA technology It is a technology in which one or more genes are modified deliberately in the lab. using recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology, thereby altering the genetic makeup of an organism. * Tissue culture Tissue culture involves nurturing fragments of plant or animal tissue in a controlled environment where they survive and continue to grow. For this tissue has to be isolated first. + Embryo rescue It is a form of in-vitro culture technique for plants. Here an immature embryo is nurtured in a controlled environment to ensure its survival. This can help in the preservation of species of seeds that are nearing extinction. This can include heritage seeds, local grains of cultural significance, ete. * Somatic hybridisation It is a process through which the cellular genome is manipulated through the process of protoplast fusion.Vedaniti, eam UNE Online * Molecular-gene markers In genetic engineering, Molecular-gene markers are specific segments of DNA that are associated with a particular location within the genome. + Molecular diagnostics techniques used to analyze biological markers in the genome and proteome. It helps in determining how their cells express their genes as proteins * Vaccine It is a formulation that is injected into a host body to stimulate a desired immune response. It helps in preventing various diseases such as polio. Its production is carried out widely currently to fight against covid. + Micropropagation It is a clonal propagation of plants in a closed vessel under aseptic and controlled conditions. Find out why the toxin produced by Bacillus thuringiensis is not toxic to itself. Role of Biotechnology in Agriculture The role of biotechnology in agriculture is multifaceted. Some of the most prevalent benefits of biotechnology in agriculture include — I. Increase in Crop Production With better disease control and increased tolerance to drought and flooding, biotechnology leads to a significant increase in crop production. This does not just match the ever-growing demand for food but also helps farmers to lower losses. IL. Better Crop Protection The techniques of biotechnology serve as cost-effective solutions to problems about pests. Farmers have been able to transform crops like cotton, corn, and potato to synthesize a protein that tackles issues of pests effectively. Il. Increase in Nutrition Value Ithas also enabled farmers to produce crops with a higher nutritional value and enhanced flavour and texture. For instance, the technology has made it possible to cultivate soybeans with high protein content, beans with more amino acids, and potatoes with starch IV. Fresher Produce and Better Tasteeam UNE Online It further helps to improve the taste and flavor of crops by enhancing the activity of enzymes present in plants. Also, it helps in keeping the yield fresh for longer. V. Chemical Tolerance Most farmers rely on herbicides to control the growth of weeds which often leads to soil erosion. However, genetically engineered food is resistant to a variety of chemicals, including herbicides; as a result, the scale of soil erosion is significantly low, VI. Disease Resistance Viral infections spread by insects are often difficult to contain, and also the use of insecticides tends to pose a threat to both soil and the quality of produce. Nonetheless, genetically modified plants are less susceptible to viral infection and make it easier for farmers to contain crop damage. Though there is an array of benefits in applying biotechnology in agriculture, it is not entirely devoid of flaws. To elaborate, there are some fears about health, societal and environmental issues. For example, resistance to antibiotics, resistance to insecticide, growth of superweed, and loss of biodiversity are among the many fears that relate to the application of biotechnology in agriculture. However, one can hope that with the advancement of technology, scientists will find practical solutions to tackle the fears and associated risks effectively. Conclusion Learning about the role of Biotechnology in Agriculture can help in understanding the different aspects and how new technology can change the face of agriculture.