A genetically modified organism (GMO) refers to any plant, animal, or microorganism that has been altered using biotechnology. These GMOs can be further processed into genetically modified ingredients, which are commonly found in food and personal care products. Through biotechnology, developers modify an organism's fundamental traits. This process includes techniques like introducing synthetic genetic sequences to alter the DNA or RNA or combining organisms that would not naturally reproduce together.

Whenever biotechnology is applied to a living organism, it results in a GMO. GM crops are also used to boost nutritional content. Take Golden Rice, for instance, which has been modified to produce more Vitamin A and help prevent blindness in parts of the world where deficiency is common.

According to TechSci Research “Genetically Modified Crops Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Trait (Herbicide Tolerance, Insect Resistance, Stacked Traits, Others), By Technique (Gene Guns, Electroporation, Microinjection, Agrobacterium, Others), By Type of Modification (Transgenic, Cis-genic, Sub-genic, Multiple Trait Integration), By Crop Type (Soybean, Cotton, Maize, Oilseed Rape, Canola, Alfalfa, Others), By Application (Scientific Research and Agriculture Crops), By Region and Competition 2018-2028” Global Genetically Modified Crops Market has valued at USD 19.55 Billion in 2022 and is anticipated to project impressive growth in the forecast period with a CAGR of 5.61% through 2028. The Genetically Modified Crops Market refers to the global industry involved in the production, distribution, and sale of genetically modified (GM) crops. These crops have been scientifically altered to introduce specific traits, such as increased yield, pest resistance, or enhanced nutritional content.

However, GM crops stir up a lot of debate. Supporters see them as a way to increase food production, reduce chemical use, and help in the fight against hunger. Critics, though, worry about the long-term environmental impacts, possible health risks, and the dominance of big biotech companies that sell these seeds. Whether you see them as a breakthrough or a threat, GM crops have become a huge part of agriculture, especially in crops like corn, cotton, and soybeans.

Genetic Modification: History and Overview Of Its Development

The history of genetic modifications in crops dates back to thousand of years. However, that genetic modification was nowhere near to how and what it is today. Earlier, farmers used to practice selective breeding, that involves choosing the best plants with desirable traits, like bigger fruits or resistance to diseases, etc. The journey of genetic alterations has been continuous over the last 30,000 years. Selective breeding acted as the initial step towards what we today call “Genetic Modification”. The earliest evidence of artificial selection of plants dates back to 7800 BCE. However, the most dramatic and popularized alterations in plant genetics occurred through artificial selection of corn. Over the centuries, teosinte was selectively bred to produce larger ears with an increasing number of kernels, eventually leading to the corn we recognize today. A similar process has resulted in the development of large broccoli heads, seedless bananas, and sweet, juicy apples.

Though the history of genetic modification is comprehensively long and well documented, below is a summary of it:

1. 1973 saw Herbert W. Boyer & Stanley N. Cohen develop genetic engineering
2. Jaenisch & Mintz created first genetically engineered animal in 1974
3. Asilomer Conference sets guidelines for future GE experiments in 1975
4. 1980 saw the allowance of patenting of GE organisms by US Supreme Court
5. In 1982, FDA approves Humulin, the first pharmaceutical manufactured using GE technology
6. FLAVR SAVR Tomatoes became the first GE food crop approved by US Department of Agriculture in 1992
7. In 1995, US EPA approved the first insecticide producing crop
8. 1996 saw the introduction of herbicide resistant crops
9. In 2000, Golden Rice engineered to mitigate Vitamin A deficiency
10. ATryn pharmaceutical became the first biological produced by a GE animal to be approved by the US FDA, in 2009, and the list continues since then

Other Notable Genetically Modified Crops:

1. Roundup Ready Soybeans

Developed by Monsanto, these soybeans are engineered to tolerate glyphosate, a common herbicide found in Roundup. This allows farmers to spray the herbicide to kill weeds without harming the crop.

2. Bt Cotton

Developed by Monsanto and Mahyco (India), Bt cotton contains the same Bacillus thuringiensis gene as Bt corn, making it resistant to cotton bollworm. It has been widely adopted in India and the U.S., leading to increased cotton production.

3. Rainbow Papaya

Developed by Cornell University and the University of Hawaii, this GM papaya is resistant to the ringspot virus, which nearly wiped out Hawaii's papaya industry in the 1990s.

4. Bt Corn

Developed by Monsanto (now Bayer), Bt corn contains a gene from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis that makes it resistant to insect pests, particularly the European corn borer. This has led to reduced pesticide use and higher yields.

Genetic Alterations: How the Process Works

It is well known that the characteristics of all living organisms are determined by their genetic makeup and its interaction with the environment. An organism's genetic blueprint is called its genome, which in all plants and animals is made up of DNA. The genome contains genes, basically sections of DNA that usually provide the instructions for making proteins. These proteins are what give a plant its traits. For instance, a flower’s color is determined by genes that tell the plant how to make proteins involved in producing the pigments that color its petals.

Sequentially speaking, genetic modification in plants is of 3 types:

1. Traditional Crop Modification
2. Genetic Engineering
3. Genome Editing

Traditional crop modifications include methods used for thousands of years to enhance plant characteristics for agriculture, primarily through selective breeding, cross-breeding, and mutagenesis. Selective breeding involves choosing parent plants with desirable traits to produce offspring that inherit those traits, a practice dating back over 10,000 years. Cross-breeding, or hybridization, systematically combines different plant varieties to create hybrids with improved traits, such as increased yield and disease resistance. Mutagenesis introduces mutations through chemicals or radiation to develop new varieties with beneficial characteristics, although it can yield unpredictable results.

Genetic engineering in plants is a precise scientific process that involves altering a plant's DNA to give it new traits or enhance existing ones. It typically involves identifying a gene with a desirable trait, such as pest resistance, drought tolerance, or improved nutritional content, and then inserting this gene into the plant’s genome. The most common methods of gene transfer include using a "gene gun" or a bacterium like Agrobacterium tumefaciens to introduce the new DNA into plant cells. Once the modified gene is integrated, the cells are grown into full plants in a controlled environment. These genetically engineered plants are tested extensively before being approved for commercial use, ensuring they meet safety and environmental standards.

Genome editing in plants is a revolutionary technology that allows for precise modifications of plant DNA, significantly enhancing crop breeding and agricultural productivity. This technique primarily employs the CRISPR/Cas9 system, which utilizes site-directed nucleases to target specific DNA sequences for alteration. The process involves designing a guide RNA (gRNA) that directs the Cas9 protein to a precise location in the genome, where it induces a double-strand break (DSB). The plant's natural repair mechanisms, mainly non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), then repair this break, often resulting in small insertions or deletions that can disrupt gene function or introduce desired traits.

How is GMO Used in Agriculture

A lot of farmers opt for GM crops because they come with advantages like resistance to pests and diseases, tolerance to herbicides, or improved nutrition. Take the Sawyers, for example, they grow herbicide-tolerant genetically modified canola. This allows them to use herbicides to control tough weeds without affecting the quality of their canola crop. A lot of farmers opt for GM crops because they come with advantages like resistance to pests and diseases, tolerance to herbicides, or improved nutrition. Take the Sawyers, for example—they grow herbicide-tolerant genetically modified canola. This allows them to use herbicides to control tough weeds without affecting the quality of their canola crop.

Some key ways GMO’s are used in agriculture:

Herbicide Tolerance

It stands among the most widely adopted genetic modifications’ trait. Crops like soybeans, maize, and cotton are genetically modified to withstand broad-spectrum herbicides such as glyphosate. This allows farmers to control weeds more effectively while minimizing soil disruption from tillage.

Biofortification

Biofortification is the process of enhancing the nutritional content of crops through genetic modification. Some GM crops are specifically developed to combat nutritional deficiencies. A great example is Golden Rice, which is enriched with Vitamin A. It's designed to help reduce malnutrition in areas where rice is a dietary staple, but people may not get enough essential vitamins from their regular diet.

Pest Resistance

Pest resistance refers to a trait in some genetically modified (GM) crops that allows them to fend off specific pests without the need for chemical insecticides. Crops like Bt corn and Bt cotton have been engineered to produce proteins that are toxic to certain insects. When these pests try to feed on the plants, the proteins disrupt their digestive systems, effectively deterring them from causing damage. This built-in pest resistance means farmers can use fewer chemical insecticides, which is better for the environment and can lead to healthier crops.

Reduced Environmental Impact

Reduced environmental impact refers to the benefits that genetically modified (GM) crops can have on the ecosystem. One key advantage is that many GM crops are engineered to require fewer pesticides and herbicides. This reduction in chemical use helps lower the overall chemical load in the environment, which can lead to healthier soil, water, and surrounding ecosystems. Additionally, some GM crops are designed to be more resilient to challenges like drought or poor soil conditions. This means they can thrive in less-than-ideal circumstances, which can help farmers conserve water and use land more efficiently.

Genetically Modified Crops: Benefits Explained

Genetically modified (GM) crops significantly boost agricultural yield and efficiency by enhancing resistance to pests, diseases, and environmental stresses. For example, crops like Bt corn and Bt cotton can increase yields by 10% to 20% due to reduced pest damage, which in turn decreases the need for chemical pesticides. Additionally, many GM crops are engineered for drought tolerance, improving water use efficiency and helping maintain yields in arid conditions.

Secondly, Genetically modified (GM) crops contribute significantly to reduced pesticide use and enhanced resistance to pests and diseases. One of the most notable examples is Bt corn and Bt cotton, which are engineered to produce a protein from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis that is toxic to specific insects. This built-in pest resistance has led to a dramatic decrease in the need for chemical insecticides, resulting in an estimated reduction of about 748.6 million kilograms of pesticide usage globally between 1996 and 2018. Additionally, GM crops like soybean and canola have been modified for herbicide tolerance, allowing farmers to manage weeds more effectively without harming the crop.

Genetically modified (GM) crops tend to offer significant environmental benefits, particularly in reducing soil erosion and supporting conservation efforts. By enabling farmers to adopt conservation tillage practices, GM crops help maintain soil structure and health. These practices reduce soil disturbance, which is crucial for preventing erosion and preserving organic matter. For instance, herbicide-tolerant GM crops allow farmers to control weeds without plowing the land, minimizing soil disruption and thus decreasing erosion rates.

Moreover, the increased efficiency and productivity of GM crops contribute to land conservation. With higher yields from smaller land areas, there is less pressure to convert natural habitats into agricultural land. This shift helps protect biodiversity and maintain ecosystems.

Allowed Genetically Modified Crops in India: Current Scenario

In India, genetically modified (GM) crops are strictly regulated, and only a few are allowed for commercial cultivation. As of now, the key GM crop approved for widespread use is Bt cotton, which was introduced in 2002. Bt cotton, developed using a gene from Bacillus thuringiensis, is resistant to bollworms, a major pest in cotton farming. It has become widely adopted by farmers across the country and accounts for over 90% of India's cotton production.

The fate of genetically modified (GM) food in India currently rests in the hands of the Supreme Court. In October 2022, the Union Ministry of Environment approved GM mustard seeds developed by the University of Delhi, potentially opening the door for farmers to start growing them. But environmentalists quickly challenged this decision, taking it to the Supreme Court, which has been dealing with GM crop regulations for nearly two decades. As a result, the approval was paused in November 2022, and now the court must decide what happens next. If the Supreme Court gives the green light, GM mustard will become India's first GM food crop. The only other GM food crop that came close to commercialization was Bt brinjal (eggplant), which was cleared by regulators back in 2009. However, it has been under a moratorium since 2010, following an order by the then-environment minister Jairam Ramesh. So, it is on the Supreme Court to see whether India will move forward with GM mustard or keep it on hold like Bt brinjal.

Risk and Controversies Surrounding GMOs: The Dichotomy

With rising global populations and the effects of climate change diminishing agricultural land, food demand has surged in recent years, creating significant challenges for food security. The COVID-19 pandemic has further disrupted food production and supply chains, exacerbating these issues. According to a 2021 UN report, nearly 811 million people are now suffering from malnutrition, underscoring the urgent need for effective interventions. To address these growing concerns, genetically modified crops serve as a better alternative as they can be left independent due to their immune response and environmental resilience.

However, there is a flipside to all this. While genes transferred in genetically modified organisms (GMOs) may naturally occur in other species, altering an organism’s genetic makeup can have unpredictable effects on its metabolism, growth, and environmental interactions. These changes may extend beyond the modified organism itself, impacting ecosystems where it proliferates. Health risks for humans are also a concern, such as the potential for introducing new allergens into the food supply or transferring antibiotic-resistant genes to gut bacteria. The full consequences of such modifications are not entirely understood, highlighting the need for cautious, comprehensive evaluation of GMOs.

The Bt Corn Controversy:

The Bt corn controversy is a prime example of the challenges surrounding genetically modified crops and their environmental impact. Bt corn was created to reduce pesticide use by incorporating a gene from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) that kills pests like the corn borer. However, a 1999 study by Losey et al. raised alarms when it showed that monarch butterfly larvae were more likely to die after being exposed to Bt corn pollen. This sparked public debate over the risks to non-target species, like monarchs.

Later research argued that the study’s conditions weren’t realistic, showing monarchs’ actual exposure to Bt pollen was minimal. Studies over the next two years found the risk to monarchs from Bt corn was very low, which led the EPA to reapprove its use for seven years. This case highlights the need for thorough research when weighing the pros and cons of GM crops.

Public Health Concerns and Regulatory Challenges

Although GM crops undergo rigorous testing before approval, critics argue that the long-term health effects of consuming GM foods are not fully understood. For instance, there are worries about gene transfer, where antibiotic-resistant genes from GMOs could be passed to bacteria in the human gut, contributing to antibiotic resistance​. Regulatory challenges also arise as countries struggle to balance innovation with safety. Different nations have varying GMO regulations, with some adopting strict labeling laws or outright bans. In the U.S., GM crops are regulated by agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). However, critics argue that the regulatory framework is inconsistent, with some claiming that oversight is too lenient​. On the other hand, in Europe, GMO regulation is more stringent, focusing on precautionary principles.

Economic Implications on Farmers and Agrobusinesses

Reports indicate that adopting GM crops has led to an increase in farm income, with studies showing that farmers who use GM technology can earn up to 68% more compared to those using traditional crops​. However, there are economic challenges associated with GMOs as well. The high cost of patented seeds can be a burden, particularly for smallholder farmers who may struggle to afford them. This reliance on proprietary seeds can increase dependency on agribusiness companies, raising concerns about market control and fair pricing. Moreover, the potential for cross-contamination with non-GM crops can lead to economic losses for organic farmers who may face strict market demands and price premiums.

Commonly Used Genetically Modified Crops

The most commonly used genetically modified crop globally is Soybean, then followed by maize and cotton. According to a 2023 data, the total area cultivated for these crops were 100.9 million hectares for Soybean, 69.3 million hectares for Maize, and 24.1 million hectares for Cotton.

Some facts to be shared:

• In the US, about 92% of corn is genetically modified. GMO corn is engineered to produce proteins that target specific pests but are safe for humans and livestock. You’ll find GMO corn in processed foods as cornstarch, corn oil, and corn syrup, but a big chunk of it actually goes to feed animals like cows and chickens. This helps keep food costs down while ensuring livestock get nutritious feed.
• Soybeans are often genetically modified to be herbicide-tolerant, drought-resistant, or insect-resistant. In fact, about 94% of all soybeans grown are GMOs, but most of this crop is used primarily for animal feed. This modification helps ensure a reliable supply of soybeans that can withstand various agricultural challenges.
• Around 95% of canola crops are genetically modified, mainly to resist herbicides and control weed growth. The seeds are crushed to produce canola oil, which is a popular cooking oil. This genetic modification helps farmers manage weeds more effectively, making canola a staple in agricultural production.
• GMO potatoes are designed to resist pests and diseases, as well as to minimize browning and bruising during packaging and transport. Some of these potatoes may also produce less acrylamide, a chemical linked to cancer when cooked at high temperatures. However, most studies on acrylamide have only been conducted in animals fed large quantities.
• The GMO version of papaya, known as rainbow papaya, was created to resist the ringspot virus that devastated Hawaii's papaya crops. A study from 2011 found that rainbow papaya contains higher levels of vitamin A and lower levels of calcium compared to traditional papaya. This modification has helped revive the papaya industry in Hawaii.

Potential Future Developments in GM Crops

Enhanced Complexity of Genomic Changes

The future of GM crops will involve increasingly complex genomic changes, such as multi-gene modifications, synthetic biology, and precision gene editing, allowing for more resilient, nutritionally enriched, and sustainable crops. These advancements will enable plants to thrive in challenging environments, reduce dependence on chemicals, and even produce new materials. New genetic-engineering technologies are set to ramp up the complexity of engineered crops by allowing multiple genes to be added at once. This technique, often called "gene stacking," lets scientists insert various genes (whether they're from other species or the plant itself) all in one spot, known as a "cassette." In the future, we’ll likely see new approaches like using multiple genes for a single trait, combining multiple traits, or even one gene impacting several traits at once.

Improved Precision in Genetic Editing and Gene Insertion

Back in 2015, most commercially available genetically engineered (GE) crops were created using methods like Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation or the gene gun technique. These approaches inserted DNA into fairly random spots in the plant's genome. Because of this randomness, the expression of the new gene varied a lot depending on where it landed in the genome. Similar to earlier genetic-engineering methods, new technologies can still insert genes from distant organisms into the target species' genome. However, the latest advancements also allow scientists to tweak the plant's own genes from within the same species. This means that, beyond just adding foreign traits, these new tools can refine and enhance the plant's existing genetic makeup for more precise modifications.

Tolerance of Biotic Stress

When plants face stress from other living organisms, like insects or viruses, it’s called biotic stress. One common example is engineering crops to produce Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) proteins, which help them resist insect attacks. At the time of the committee's report, most GE crops on the market were designed to resist herbicides or fend off insects and, to a lesser degree, viruses. Researchers were also exploring new methods to tackle these threats and looking for ways to protect crops against other biotic stressors that hadn't been addressed by genetic engineering yet.

From a global perspective, GE crops are critical for improving food security and promoting sustainable agriculture. By developing plants that can naturally resist pests and diseases, farmers reduce the need for chemical pesticides, which lowers environmental impact and production costs. This is especially vital for regions where food shortages and harsh farming conditions threaten livelihoods. As research expands, GE crops could become a key tool in ensuring reliable food supplies, making agriculture more resilient, and helping to meet the challenges of feeding a growing global population in a sustainable way.

To Sum Up

In conclusion, the development and use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have revolutionized agriculture by offering enhanced productivity, improved resistance to pests and diseases, and the potential to combat malnutrition through biofortification. GM crops, such as Bt corn, Golden Rice, and herbicide-tolerant soybeans, exemplify how biotechnology can increase food security while reducing the environmental impact of farming. These innovations support sustainable agricultural practices, minimizing chemical use and soil erosion.

However, the global debate surrounding GMOs persists, with concerns over long-term health effects, environmental risks, and the economic influence of biotech corporations. While some view GM crops as essential tools for feeding a growing population and adapting to climate change, others advocate for stringent regulations and greater research into potential consequences.

As biotechnology advances, the precision and complexity of genetic modifications will only increase, making it crucial to balance innovation with responsibility. Ultimately, the future of GMOs will depend on continued research, ethical considerations, and transparent policies to ensure that these powerful tools are used to benefit both humanity and the environment in a sustainable and equitable manner.