Classical Plant Breeding vs. Molecular Plant Breeding
Plant breeding has been used since the early establishment of domesticated crops and sedentary agriculture. In classical breeding, the techniques of selection and crossing are utilized based on the principle of homologous recombination which produces the genetic diversity (with patience). Vegetative propagation or in vitro techniques can be used to generate hybrids that are not found in nature.
Modern plant breeding techniques include molecular breeding. The use of biotechnology can be used to select or be used as genetic modification. In genetic modification, a gene or genes for desirable traits can be inserted into the genome, or genes for undesirable traits can be removed. The label transgenic has been adopted for such plants.
In molecular breeding, the genes being modified are known. With classical breeding techniques, genes that have been introduced to the new cultivars are unknown.
Genetically modified or genetically engineered plants have been controversial. Insect-resistant varieties, herbicide-tolerant varieties, and virus-resistant varieties receive lots of attention. Disease resistant, improved taste, higher yielding, and storage ability are a handful of other goals breeders seek to accomplish.
Both traditional plant breeding and molecular plant breeding have the goal of producing plants with improved characteristics. Both also modifies the genetic composition of a plant in the process.The controversy and false information shared about plant breeding and genetic modification seems to forget this fact. It is important to educate yourself on an issue and know the facts before jumping to a conclusion.
A reliable source of facts and information are the lessons in Genomino. Visit the Genomino Kickstarter to learn more and consider becoming a backer!
