GE: Crops to Come

Genetic engineering could lead to such things as:

* Fungal resistance in adult plants by "switching on" resistance genes which are active in the seed but not in mature plants. This may lead to a significant reduction in fungicide use.

* Achieving insect resistance by creating plants with hairier, thicker skins. This could reduce insecticide use without using in-plant toxins.

* Altering the growing characteristics of crops. For example, using dwarfing genes, shortening growing seasons or changing the types of harvest. This offers the prospect of more fallow land, which would be helpful for organic production.

* Creating functional plants which make biodegradable plastic that is CO2 neutral as well); detergents, polystyrene-type beads made out of starch.

* Preventing out-crossing by engineering pollen incompatibility into crops, thus reducing the spread of GE crops into native species.

* Drought-resistant plants for water-short countries, created by knocking out a single gene that acts as a handbrake on stomata cells, reducing water loss in drought.

* Using plant root systems to clear soil of heavy metals.

* Producing genetically engineered plants that could fix their own nitrogen in the soil, eliminating the need for phosphate fertilisers. This is still at the research stage but is a possibility in five to 10 years.

* Increased pest and disease resistance, and stress tolerance to cold, heat and salty soil.

* Bio-remediation - developing plants and bugs than can remove toxic substances and oil spills.

* Developing crops that have cancer-inhibiting effects from members of the brassica family, such as broccoli, cabbage, kale and brussels sprouts.

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