Genetic engineering is an application of biotechnology involving the manipulation of DNA and the transfer of gene components between species in order to encourage replication of desired traits (OTA 1992). Although there are many applications of genetic engineering in agriculture, the current focus of biotechnology is on developing herbicide tolerant crops and on pest and disease resistant crops...

A year after the introduction of the first commercial transgenic crop (Flavr SavrTM tomato with a longer shelf life) in 1994, transgenic, herbicide-resistant crops (HRCs) were introduced (Table 3.1) with the introduction of bromoxynil(3,5dibromo-4-hydroxybenzonitrile) resistant cotton and glufosinate[2-amino-4(hydroxymethylphosphinyl)butanoic acid] resistant canola. Bromoxynil resistance had li...

Present increasing trend of population is alarming for food shortage. It was estimated that by the year of 2050 the population rate may increase up to 9 billion. Rapid increase of human population together with global climate variability resulted in increased demand of plant based food and energy sources. Conventional breeding is still limited due to genetic restrictions (high heterozygosity an...