Transgenic plants are plants that have been genetically engineered to contain one or more genes from another species. These genes, known as transgenes, provide the plants with new traits or characteristics.

The primary purpose of creating transgenic plants is to enhance certain desirable traits such as increased resistance to pests, diseases, environmental conditions, improved nutritional content, and better yield.

One of the most common traits introduced into transgenic plants is herbicide resistance. This allows farmers to apply herbicides to control weeds without harming the crop. An example is Roundup Ready soybeans that are resistant to glyphosate.

Some transgenic plants are engineered to be resistant to viral, bacterial, or fungal diseases. For example, papaya plants resistant to the papaya ringspot virus have been developed and widely adopted in Hawaii.

Transgenic plants can be designed to withstand abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures. These traits help crops survive in harsh conditions, potentially expanding agricultural productivity into new areas.

The use of transgenic plants is subject to debate and controversy. Concerns include potential environmental impacts, such as gene flow to wild relatives, development of resistant pests, and loss of biodiversity. There are also discussions about food safety and ethical considerations.

Transgenic plants undergo rigorous testing and regulatory review before they are approved for commercial use. Regulatory bodies like the USDA, FDA, and EPA in the United States assess the safety, environmental impact, and efficacy of these genetically modified crops.