Article
Article
Genetically modified crop
Article By:
Prakash, C. S. College of Agriculture, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Alabama.
Last reviewed:February 2022
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.285250
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- Genetically modified crops, published June 2005:Download PDF
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A commercially grown plant that has altered genetic material through artificial recombinant manipulation. Genetic modification is the latest scientific tool for developing improved crop varieties. Such genetically modified (GM) crops can help to enhance agricultural productivity, boost food production, reduce the use of farm chemicals, and make food healthier for human consumption. Genetically modified crops (also called transgenic, genetically engineered, or bioengineered crops) represent the fastest-adopted technology in the history of agriculture (Fig. 1), yet they are not universally accepted because of perceived concerns about their safety. Skeptics believe that such crops may pose unrecognized risks to human and animal health and could damage the environment. See also: Agricultural science (plant); Agronomy; Biotechnology; Farm crops; Fiber crops; Genetic engineering; Genetically engineered plants; Genetically modified organism (GMO); Genetics; Grain crops; Horticultural crops
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