Genetic Modification of Crops Quiz

Genetic Modification of Crops

• Involves adding a specific DNA segment to a plant's genome, altering its characteristics
• Transfection is the process of introducing naked, purified DNA into plant cells
• Transgenic crops contain a foreign gene
• Examples of genetically modified crops include Bt Brinjal, Golden Rice, Bt Cotton, Flavr Savr tomato, and Bt corn

Benefits of GM Crops

• Increased crop yields due to enhanced attributes
• Improved shelf life and resistance to fungi (e.g., Flavr Savr tomatoes)
• Reduced reliance on pesticides and insecticides (e.g., Bt cotton)
• Enhanced nutritional content (e.g., Golden rice)
• Decreased post-harvest losses (e.g., Flavr Savr tomatoes)

Disadvantages of GM Crops

• Expensive cultivation costs
• Prioritization of market value over human well-being
• Potential human health risks due to gene alterations
• Potential impact on natural gene flow

Precision Farming

• A farming management method focused on observing, measuring, and adapting to variations (inter- and intra-field) within crops
• Also known as precision agriculture, satellite agriculture, as-needed farming, and site-specific crop management (SSCM)
• Employs a cycle of GIS yield maps, stress detection algorithms, precision agricultural application cycles, and variable rate technology (VRT)

Components of Precision Farming

• Information: data collection, monitoring of data and analysis
• Technology: GIS, GPS, auto-steer, yield monitors, remote sensing, data collection and analysis
• Management: strategic use of data and technology for better decision making, and efficient actions

5 R's of Precision Farming

• Right Input
• Right Amount
• Right Place
• Right Time
• Right Manner

Applications of Precision Farming

• Agricultural mapping and field scouting
• Soil sampling and analysis
• Weather monitoring
• Labor management
• Equipment management

Challenges of Precision Farming

• Data management
• Integration of different data sources
• High costs of equipment and software

Sustainable Agriculture

• Farming practices that protect and enhance the environment while maximizing the use of natural resources—both renewable and non-renewable
• Aims for biodiversity, soil health, water conservation, and sustainable pest management.

Components of Sustainable Agriculture

• Improved food production, high production benefits at low costs
• Optimized resource usage and conservation
• Minimization of off-site environmental impacts
• Reduced environmental risks
• Crop diversity
• Crop rotation
• Nutrient management
• Pest management
• Water management
• Soil management