Explain that genetic engineering may help to solve the global demand for food by improving the quality and productivity of farmed animals and crop plants, using the examples of GM salmon, herbicide resistance in soybean and insect resistance in cotton

SouravNovember 1, 2024

Answer

Genetic engineering has the potential to address the global demand for food by enhancing the quality and productivity of farmed animals and crop plants. This approach can lead to increased yields, improved nutritional value, and reduced environmental impact. Here are some examples illustrating how genetic engineering is applied in this context, specifically through the use of genetically modified (GM) salmon, herbicide-resistant soybeans, and insect-resistant cotton.

1. Genetically Modified Salmon

• Faster Growth Rates: GM salmon, specifically the AquAdvantage salmon, has been engineered to grow faster than conventional Atlantic salmon. This is achieved by incorporating a growth hormone gene from Chinook salmon along with a promoter from an ocean pout, allowing the fish to produce growth hormones year-round instead of seasonally. As a result, GM salmon can reach market size in about half the time of traditional salmon, significantly increasing production efficiency.
• Feed Conversion Efficiency: GM salmon are also more efficient at converting feed into body mass, requiring up to 25% less feed compared to conventional salmon. This reduction in feed requirements not only lowers production costs but also decreases the pressure on wild fish populations that are often used for fish meal in aquaculture.
• Sustainability: The production of GM salmon in land-based facilities minimizes ecological impacts associated with traditional fish farming practices, such as habitat degradation and pollution. By locating farms closer to urban markets, transportation emissions are reduced as well.

2. Herbicide Resistance in Soybean

• Increased Yield: Herbicide-resistant soybean varieties (e.g., Roundup Ready soybeans) allow farmers to apply herbicides without damaging the crop. This enables more effective weed control, leading to higher yields and reduced competition for resources such as water and nutrients.
• Reduced Tillage: The use of herbicide-resistant crops promotes conservation tillage practices, which help maintain soil structure and reduce erosion. This can lead to improved soil health and sustainability in farming practices.
• Economic Benefits: Farmers benefit from reduced labor costs associated with weeding and increased crop yields, contributing to greater profitability. Additionally, herbicide-resistant soybeans can be grown in a wider range of environments, further enhancing food production capabilities.

3. Insect Resistance in Cotton

• Pest Management: Insect-resistant cotton varieties (e.g., Bt cotton) are engineered to express a protein from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis, which is toxic to specific insect pests like bollworms. This built-in pest resistance reduces the need for chemical insecticides, leading to lower production costs and decreased environmental impact from pesticide use.
• Higher Quality Fiber: By reducing damage from pests, Bt cotton can produce higher-quality fibers with fewer blemishes, enhancing marketability and value.
• Sustainability: The reduction in chemical pesticide usage not only benefits the environment but also promotes the health of farmworkers and surrounding communities by minimizing exposure to harmful chemicals.