African Journal of Food Science and Technology (ISSN: 2141-5455) Vol. 13(7) pp.

01-06, July,
2022
DOI: http:/dx.doi.org/10.14303//ajfst.2022.034
Available online @https://www.interesjournals.org/food-science-technology.html
Copyright ©2022 International Research Journals

Research Article

Genetic engineering it’s application, importance and

future aspects in modern Crop improvement
Werkissa Yali*
Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Chiro National Sorghum Research and Training Center, Chiro,
Ethiopia
E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract
Society is undergoing dramatic transformations as a result of advances in molecular genetics and genetic
manipulation. The most widely used genetically altered features allow plants to create their own pesticide,
decreasing crop losses due to insect attack, or to resist herbicides, allowing herbicides to be used to kill a wide
range of weeds without damaging crops. Those characteristics have been included into most soybean, corn,
and cotton types. Genetic engineering could be applied in a wider range of crops, in new methods other than
herbicide and insect resistance and for a wider range of applications. Many farmers that employ GE crops report
that weed control is more cost-effective and that insect pest losses are lower. Traditional methods of breeding and
selection to improve crops for intended goals have various advantages over GM technology. GM technology is
extremely valuable to society because it provides a variety of benefits. The fact that the area under cultivation of
GM crops is rising exponentially each year can be used to measure the success of GM technology. It opens up
new possibilities for crop plants to be engineered with novel features. However, the use of GM crops has become
a highly contentious topic in recent years, with its roots in misunderstandings and a lack of scientific evidence.
This debate, on the other hand, is helping to fuel research in other fields. As a result, a number of techniques for
removing marker genes from transgenic plants have been developed. The objective of this paper is to review
genetic engineering, its application, and importance and future aspects in modern crop improvement.
Keywords: Food genetic engineering, Crop, GMO, Plant breeding.

INTRODUCTION of genetic engineering technology in agriculture. The

capacity to transfer genes between species is a significant
Increases in crop yields on the same amount of land are step forward from prior plant breeding approaches, which
becoming increasingly important as the world population could only transmit desirable features between plants of
grows Furthermore, growing emphasis on food safety, similar types (Baik & Ullrich, 2008).
sustainability, reduced agricultural inputs and pesticide
reduction puts additional strain on crops and growers. As The term "Genetic engineering" refers to the deliberate
a result, some people have turned to genetically modified manipulation of genes (such as gene transfer between
crops to satisfy the demands of a changing world (Anderson animals or alterations in a gene's sequence).Genetic
et al., 2020) engineering is a sort of genetic modification that entails
using recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (rDNA) technology
Thanks to advances in molecular and cellular biology to make an intended targeted change in a plant or animal
scientists can now use genetic engineering to bring desired gene sequence to achieve a specified result. The technique
features from other species into crop plants. The science of of manually adding additional DNA to an organism is
crop development entered a new area with the introduction known as genetic engineering sometimes known as

Received: 29-Jun-2022, Manuscript No. AJFST-22-69633; Editor assigned: 1-Jul-2022, Pre QC No. AJFST-22- 69633 (PQ); Reviewed: 15-Jul-
2022, QC No. AJFST-22- 69633; Revised: 20-Jul-2022, Manuscript No. AJFST-22- 69633 (R); Published: 27-Jul-2022

Citation: Yali W (2022). Genetic engineering its application, importance and future aspects in modern Crop improvement. AJFST. 13: 034.
2 Afr. J. Food Sci. Technol

genetic modification. The goal is to add one or more new engineering a sort of genetic manipulation that has been at the
features to that organism that aren't already present. A heart of many recent improvements in breeding technology is
genetically modified organism (GMO) is an organism that has one such biotechnology method. Genetic engineering, like any
been created via the use of genetic engineering. Agricultural new technology bears some risk and necessitates methods for
difficulties caused by biotic and abiotic stressors can be solved predicting and assessing potential unintended consequences
with recombinant technology (Bawa & Anilakumar, 2013). whether negative or positive (Fita et al., 2015).
The majority of genetically modified crops are used for Genetic engineering techniques have resulted in the
animal feed, processing, or fuel generation rather than being development of medically essential goods such as human
consumed directly by people. Although there are no new risks insulin, human growth hormone and the hepatitis B
associated with eating GMO crops, consumers who want to vaccination, as well as genetically modified species
avoid all foods resulting from genetic engineering can purchase such as disease-resistant plants. Originally genetic
certified organic or GMO-free goods (Bryan, 2018). engineering refers to a variety of approaches for altering or
manipulating organisms through the processes of heredity
GM crops have the potential to increase crop productivity and reproduction. As a result, the term encompassed
significantly. The crops can also be utilized to prevent both artificial selection and all biological technological
environmental deterioration and to address specific interventions, including artificial insemination, in vitro
ecological and agricultural challenges that haven't fertilization (e.g.,"test-tube" babies) cloning and gene
responded well to traditional plant breeding and organic or manipulation (Halewood et al., 2018). However, by the
conventional farming methods. Gene technology provides late twentieth century, the word had come to apply more
growers with new options in the form of new products explicitly to recombinant DNA technology (or gene cloning),
derived from existing species Therefore the objective of in which DNA molecules from two or more sources are joined
this paper is to review genetic engineering, its application either within cells or in vitro and then put into host species
and importance and future aspects in modern crop where they can multiply (Jones, 2004). The discovery of
improvement (Chen et al., 2021). restriction enzymes by Swiss scientist Werner Arber in 1968
paved the way for recombinant DNA technology. Stanley N.
Definition and history of genetic Cohen and Herbert W. Boyer, two American biochemists,
engineering were among the first to break DNA into fragments, rejoin
them, and implant the new genes into E. coli bacterium,
The term "Genetic engineering" is commonly used to refer which then proliferated (Huang et al., 2008).
to recombinant DNA technology methods that originated
from fundamental microbial genetics research. The artificial The totipotency (capacity of a single cell to regenerate
manipulation, modification, and recombination of DNA into a completely new individual) of plant cells, which was
or other nucleic acid molecules in order to transform an demonstrated in plants in the 1950s by FC Steward and
organism or population of organisms is known as genetic others, is required for the regeneration of transformed
engineering. The study of genetic transformation (changing plants from cells receiving the additional DNA. Over the last
an organism's genetic features by introducing a specific two decades, GM crops have gone from proof of concept to
a critical component of crop enhancement. Between 1996
piece of DNA from another source) began with bacteria.
and 2015, the total area of GM crops farmed in the world
Griffith demonstrated that genetic traits could be artificially
expanded from 1.7 to 179.7 Mhm2, accounting for around
transferred from heat-inactivated cells to live cells and that
13.2% of all arable land. Alfalfa, canola, cotton, maize,
the alteration could be passed down through generations.
papaya, potato, soybean, squash, and sugar beet are some
DNA is the chemical component that determines a person's
of the most widely produced GM crops. In 2015, the top
genetic features (Conner & Jacobs, 1999).
ten countries cultivating "biotech crops" accounted for 89
Plants that have had their genetic material (DNA) percent of the GM crops planted out of the 28 countries
purposely changed in the laboratory to generate a certain that did so (Islam et al., 2020).
advantageous outcome are known as genetically modified
crops. GMOs or genetically modified organisms are a term Steps of genetic engineering
used to describe these types of crops. Limited and precise Genetic engineering is accomplished in the following basic
genetic alterations in commercial genetically modified steps:
crops are meant to give one or more benefits to humans or
the environment (Eckerstorfer et al., 2019) 1. Isolation of the gene to be cloned (target DNA).
Genetic engineering is a sort of genetic alteration that entails 2. The gene is inserted into another piece of DNA called a
using rDNA technology to make a targeted change in a plant vector, which permits it to be taken up and copied by the
or animal gene sequence to achieve a specified result. Genetic recipient cell.

Citation: Yali W (2022). Genetic engineering its application, importance and future aspects in modern Crop improvement. AJFST. 13: 034.
 Yali W. 3

3. Infection of recipient organisms cells with recombinant time crossbreeding has resulted in artificial selection or
vectors, either by transfection or by virus infection. selective breeding, which has resulted in considerably more
productive wheat and rice variants. These techniques have
4. Identifying which cells contain the appropriate
evolved into subsets of the larger and more contentious
recombinant vectors.
area of genetic engineering. The development of strategies
5. The changed organism's growth. for purposely modifying the functioning of genes by
influencing DNA recombination has piqued the interest of
6. Gene expression to produce the desired result (Masip et
plant breeders. Researchers have been able to focus on
al., 2013) (Figure 1)
developing plants with characteristics such as the ability to
Application of genetic engineering in use free nitrogen or the ability to fight illnesses that they
did not have naturally (Karlen & Cambardella, 2020).
crop improvement Many theoretical and practical aspects of gene function
Since World War II, the application of genetics to agriculture and organization have been improved thanks to genetic
has led in significant improvements in the production engineering. Bacteria capable of manufacturing human
of several crops. This has been especially noticeable in insulin, human growth hormone, alpha interferon, a hepatitis
hybrid maize and grain sorghum strains. At the same B vaccine and other therapeutically important compounds

Figure 1: Basic methods of genetic engineering and gene cloning.

Citation: Yali W (2022). Genetic engineering its application, importance and future aspects in modern Crop improvement. AJFST. 13: 034.
4 Afr. J. Food Sci. Technol

have been developed using recombinant DNA technology.

Plants can be genetically modified to fix nitrogen, and
Higher profit
genetic illnesses can be treated by replacing faulty genes The promises of improved production and cheaper input
with ones that work normally. Toxin-producing genes have costs are currently the key attractions of genetically
been inserted into various plant species, including corn and modified crops for farmers. Crops that are disease and
cotton. Crop plants have also been inoculated with bacterial insect resistant require less spraying. Farmers' revenues
genes that give herbicide resistance. Other attempts at are frequently higher with genetically altered crops. Larger
plant genetic engineering have tried to improve the plant's profits provide greater food security and a better quality of
nutritional value (Krishnamurthy, 1999). life for farm families in affluent countries, whereas higher
profits mean greater food security and a better quality of
Uses of genetic engineering life for farm families in poor countries. As a result, significant
chemical, labor, and energy input costs are reduced. Weed
Many advantages have been recognized in agriculture
control is improved with herbicide-tolerant crops, which
through the usage of genetically modified crops. The fast
boosts productivity (Reddy et al., 2009). Growers boost
uptake of GM crops in recent years demonstrates the
their marketing possibilities by providing higher-quality
benefits of GM crops to farmers (Kumar et al., 2020).
food to processors and consumers. Crops that have been
Crops resistance to virus genetically modified to have high levels of beneficial oils can
be developed (Rhodes, 2012).
The majority of disease control advancements have
been in the control of viral diseases, which has piqued Enhancing the value of crops
biotechnology's interest. Because most viruses are
Crop genetic engineering has the potential to provide food
propagated mechanically or through insect vectors, previous
with health benefits that go beyond basic nutrition. To
management efforts have focused on vector contra the
combat food allergies, genetically modified crops are being
elimination of sick plant components (Mabaya et al., 2015).
created. Many other types of crops, including those resistant
Plant virus infections have a significant impact on the to herbicides and pests, as well as those resistant to viruses,
productivity of a wide range of economically important are now being created. Crops that are designed to create
crops around the world. Control of vector propagation important pharmaceutical ingredients that are optimized
material, suitable cultural techniques, and the use of for renewable energy provide additional benefits, such as
resistant cultivars are all common ways for managing viral enhanced nutrition and quality features, drought tolerance,
infections. However, as time passes, the procedures begin or those that are meant to produce valuable pharmaceutical
to reveal flaws. A novel technique to controlling plant virus ingredients (Saini, 2020). A vast number of GM crops with
illnesses has been discovered because to breakthroughs in improved nutritional qualities have been produced and will
genetic engineering. Depending on the source of the genes soon be available on the market (Schutte et al., 2017).
employed, there are primarily two techniques to producing
The Golden Rice is one of the most well-known qualities
genetically engineered resistance. The genes can come from
that will provide reinforced rice meals. Gene technology
either the pathogenic virus or another source (MacLaren et
will aid food processors by improving the processing
al., 2020)
qualities of food. Barley with improved malting properties
Herbicide tolerance and altered enzyme activity, for example, could be a future
breakthrough. Processing could also improve in terms of
Herbicide tolerance refers to a plant's ability to withstand the efficiency, productivity, and environmental friendliness
effects of a herbicide at the rate that is commonly employed (Dipankar et al., 2011).
in agriculture. It is a plant's ability to remain unaffected by
herbicide application at any reasonable rate (Myskja & Myhr, Many enhancements to the plant and animal meals we eat
2020). Plant scientists now have more tools to figure out the are possible because to gene technology. Taste, texture,
chemical and genetic mechanisms of action of many of these appearance, consistency, storage properties, and nutritional
herbicides, as well as the mechanisms that account for a content are all likely to be improved. Nutritional quality will be
plant's natural tolerance or resistance to herbicides, thanks to the most important enhancement of these traits. Changes to
biotechnology. As a result, scientists are using this information fat, protein, and vitamin content, the development of designer
to develop herbicide-tolerant crop plant varieties (Parray oils and starches, the removal of allergens and the decrease of
et al., 2019). The genetic development of crop tolerance to anti-nutritional elements were all mentioned in submissions to
herbicides was one of the first commercial applications of the inquiry (Sprague et al., 2017).
biotechnology. Monsanto's Roundup Ready Soybean has been The technology may be able to supply nutrients that can
a great success story in this area (Qaim, 2020) help people overcome deficits and lower their chance

Citation: Yali W (2022). Genetic engineering its application, importance and future aspects in modern Crop improvement. AJFST. 13: 034.
 Yali W. 5

of developing certain diseases. Food can have different of diversity among all types of life on land, as well as in
contents and health consequences depending on the the water and soil near genetically modified plants. Crop
structure of essential components. Natural antioxidants, plants that are herbicide tolerant are more prone to escape
which are vital in atherosclerosis and cancer resistance into the wild. Pollen drift from herbicide-tolerant crops
starches, which are crucial for gut health and colon cancer to similar wild species, such as canola, could lead to the
fatty acids, which are significant in cardiovascular disease emergence of super weeds this has already happened in a
(Sprink et al., 2016). few situations (Wolfenbarger & Phifer, 2000). BT is always
present in genetically engineered crops, whereas it is only
Other research initiatives involving breeding or genetically
present on rare occasions when applied as a spray; it is
modifying crops for nutritional fortification, such as
anticipated that the pesticide's constant presence may lead
cassava, potato, maize, beans, and so on, are underway.
to a faster accumulation of pest resistance and more harm
With the latest breeding technology at available, it is
to non-target and beneficial insects (Vinod et al., 2017)
apparent that biofortification will transform the food
security landscape in the developing countries. Toxic If crop plants that are better suited to marginal agricultural
chemicals can be found in both conventional and organic areas are produced, more native vegetation may be cleared
diets. Plants produce several of these chemicals naturally and biodiversity may be lost. If terminator technology is
as they grow. Others form as a result of food processing. employed, terminator genes may spread to other creatures,
Natural toxins, such as mycotoxins, can be found in much resulting in the extinction of species. Monocultures are
lower concentrations in genetically altered crops, which used to raise genetically engineered crops, as well as other
can have major health consequences (Vats et al., 2015) modern crops. Because they are extractive and rely on
heavy, expensive inputs, monocultures are fragile, unstable,
Environmental benefits and the antithesis of sustainability (Veres et al., 2020).
Transgenic crops offer a way for crops to adapt to climate Herbicide-tolerant crops cause a number of environmental
change, especially in terms of drought and salinity. problems, none of which are unique to genetically modified
Transgenic crops can also help to mitigate climate change cultivars. Both genetically modified and traditionally bred
by lowering the intensity of input consumption. Genetically herbicide-tolerant crops have similar environmental
modified crops are an important tool for reducing implications, and the latter's effects may not be apparent
agriculture's reliance on non-sustainable resources (such for a long time Overuse or misuse of herbicides on
as wasteful pesticide and fertilizer use, and the possibly herbicide-tolerant crops can have a number of negative
damaging impacts of mechanical weeding) and replacing environmental consequences: weed species may develop
them with biological knowledge packed in the seed. resistance and become super weeds which can only be
controlled with potentially harmful herbicides; plants that
In some crops, the use of genetically altered varieties can were not previously significant weed species may become
help to expand no-tillage agriculture. Some insecticide- new or worse weeds; and the environment may be exposed
free genetically engineered crops encourage the growth of to higher levels of harmful chemicals, resulting in increased
natural foes of damaging insect pests. Genetic engineering biodiversity loss in the surrounding region (Varshney et
could be one of the biotechnology approaches for generating al., 2011). Cross pollination with closely related species is
drought-resistant crop varieties (Zhang et al., 2016). another way herbicide-tolerant crops may have an impact
Herbicides are used instead of tillage to decrease soil on the ecosystem. If the herbicide resistance trait is passed
erosion and degradation. Reduced tillage also improves down to wild populations, it may encourage the growth of
organic matter and reduces carbon loss from the soil. Global weediness in those species (Snow et al., 2005)
warming induced by the emission of carbon dioxide from
the soil is reduced by preserving carbon in the soil. Another
CONCLUSION
potential environmental benefit is that genetically modified Climate change and population pressures are threatening
crops will minimize the need for land clearing by permitting food production; it is critical that we use all available science
more efficient use of farmed area, so preserving native and technology to secure food security for all. Vaccine and
vegetation and biodiversity (Zhou et al., 2020). antibody-based foods, as well as novel protective goods,
are expected. Crops with better input features (herbicide
Impacts of genetically engineered tolerance, insecticide and virus resistance, for example)
crops have dominated the market so far. Plant breeders can use
genetic transformation to get over limits caused by species
Herbicide-tolerant genetically modified plants allow for barriers. Society is undergoing dramatic transformations
more widespread herbicide use than traditional kinds. as a result of advances in molecular genetics and genetic
This is already occurring, and it may contribute to a loss manipulation.

Citation: Yali W (2022). Genetic engineering its application, importance and future aspects in modern Crop improvement. AJFST. 13: 034.
6 Afr. J. Food Sci. Technol

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Citation: Yali W (2022). Genetic engineering its application, importance and future aspects in modern Crop improvement. AJFST. 13: 034.