Playing God-GM Foods
Published: Mar 31, 2012
Photo: Prasad
Abstract: Genetic Modification is a process by which DNA of an organism can be altered to synthesise a new, usually better or more efficient version of the original organism. The breakthrough in science was initiated particularly in the field of agriculture, to improve crop protection through the use of one of the three basic traits: resistance to insect damage; resistance to viral infections; and tolerance towards herbicides. But, like all new technologies, GM crops also pose certain apprehensions and risks, both known and unknown.
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What is ...
Agroforestry is any sustainable land-use system that maintains or increases total yields by combining food crops (annuals) with tree crops (perennials) and/or livestock on the same unit of land, either alternately or at the same time, using management practices that suit the social and cultural characteristics of the local people and the economic and eco¬logical conditions of the area.
The term 'agronomy' is derived from the Greek words 'agro' meaning field and 'nomo' meaning to manage. Agronomy is a branch of agro science that deals with principles and practices of soil, water and crop and field management providing favourable environment for higher productivity.
A type of plant disease of warm humid areas that infects a variety of plants from trees to grasses. It is caused by certain fungus producing spores - tiny, sunken saucer shaped spots which often enlarge, leading to wilting, withering, and dying of tissues.
The term anthropogenic indicates the effect resulting from human activity. Anthropogenic effects, processes or materials are those that are derived from human activities, as opposed to those occurring in natural environments without human influence.
It is a type of cultivation, management and a science of the study of individual trees, shrubs, vines, and other perennial woody plants. The science includes cultural techniques such as selection, planting, fertilisation, pest and pathogen control, pruning, shaping, and removal. (e.g Bonsai)
Ethanol or ethyl alcohol (C2H5OH) is a clear colourless biodegradable liquid, low in toxicity - causing little environmental pollution. It is a high octane fuel and has replaced lead as an octane enhancer in petrol. Bioethanol is a form of renewable energy that is mostly produced from the sugar fermentation process.
A cultivar is a plant or group of plants selected for desirable characteristics that can be maintained by propagation, mainly for farming. Cultivars have generally arisen through years of cultivation but a few may be special selections from the wild.
A germplasm is a collection of genetic resources for an organism in the form of a living tissue. For plants, it can be a seed or another plant part – a leaf, stem, pollen or even just a few cells.
Grafting or graftage is a horticultural technique commonly used in asexual propagation whereby tissues from one plant are inserted into those of another in order to make a joint known as inosculation.
A propagule is any plant material that is used for the purpose of propagating. In asexual reproduction, a propagule may be a wood, semi-hardwood, or softwood cutting, leaf section, or any number of other plant parts whereas in sexual reproduction, a propagule is generally a seed or spore.