Advancements in Genetic Engineering
Open Access

An Overview on Advancements in Plant Genetic Engineering

Olga Ferreira^{* *}Correspondence: Olga Ferreira, Department of Plant Tissue Culture, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana, Email:

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Description

Plant genetic engineering, a branch of biotechnology, has revolutionized agriculture by allowing scientists to manipulate the genetic makeup of plants for improved traits. Over the past few decades, researchers have developed various methods to introduce desired traits into crops, leading to increased yield, resistance to pests and diseases, and enhanced nutritional content.

Methods used in plant genetic engineering

Traditional breeding vs . genetic engineering: Traditional breeding methods have been employed for centuries to enhance desired traits in crops. However, these methods have limitations in terms of precision and the time required for trait development. Plant genetic engineering, on the other hand, enables scientists to directly modify the plant's Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA), allowing for more precise control over the introduced traits. This targeted approach has significantly accelerated the development of crops with specific, desirable characteristics [1,2].

Agrobacterium-mediated transformation: One of the earliest and widely used methods in plant genetic engineering is Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. This technique involves the use of a soil bacterium, Agrobacterium tumefaciens, as a vector to transfer desired genes into the plant's genome. The bacterium naturally infects plants, causing a type of tumor known as a crown gall. Scientists have harnessed this natural process by replacing the tumor-inducing genes with the genes of interest. This method has been successful in modifying a variety of crops, including cotton, soybeans, and tomatoes [3-5].

Particle bombardment (Biolistics): Particle bombardment, also known as biolistics, involves the use of microscopic particles coated with the desired DNA. These particles are accelerated and shot into plant cells, where the genetic material is incorporated into the genome. This method is particularly useful for crops that are difficult to transform using Agrobacterium-mediated techniques. Biolistics has been successful in modifying cereals like rice and maize, as well as other crops like soybeans and cotton [6-8].

CRISPR-Cas9 technology: In recent years, the revolutionary Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats- associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9) technology has emerged as a powerful tool in plant genetic engineering. CRISPR and Cas9 (allow precise editing of specific genes by guiding the Cas9 enzyme to the target DNA sequence. This method enables researchers to add, delete, or modify genes with unprecedented accuracy. CRISPR-Cas9 has been used to develop crops with improved resistance to diseases, increased nutritional content, and enhanced tolerance to environmental stress.

RNA interference (RNAi): RNA interference is a natural cellular process that regulates gene expression. In plant genetic engineering, scientists have harnessed this process to selectively silence or suppress specific genes by introducing short RNA molecules. This method is particularly valuable for developing crops with improved resistance to pests and diseases. RNAi has been used to create genetically modified crops like insect- resistant maize and virus-resistant papaya [9].

Genome editing for trait improvement: Plant genetic engineering has been instrumental in developing crops with improved traits, addressing challenges such as pest resistance, drought tolerance, and enhanced nutritional content. For example, researchers have successfully engineered crops to produce their pesticides, reducing the need for chemical applications. Additionally, genetic modifications have led to the development of drought-tolerant crops, crucial in regions with water scarcity [10].

Conclusion

Plant genetic engineering has significantly advanced agricultural practices, offering solutions to challenges such as food security, environmental sustainability, and resource efficiency. The diverse methods employed, from traditional Agrobacterium- mediated transformation to cutting-edge CRISPR-Cas9 technology, showcase the evolution of genetic engineering techniques. As research continues, it is crucial to address ethical concerns and environmental considerations to ensure the responsible and sustainable development of genetically modified crops. The ongoing dialogue between scientists, policymakers, and the public is essential to navigate the future of plant genetic engineering and its role in shaping the future of agriculture.

References

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