Disease Resistance
Perhaps one of the most promising fields of genetic
research for the farmer has been regarding the possible genetic modification
(GM) of crops for disease resistance. One need look no further than the
annals of history to observe the necessity of protecting the human food supply
from the ravages of pestilence. Events such as the Irish Potato Famine or
the crop famines of the Bible were brought about by different strains of blight
(bacteria, viruses, or fungi) (Africa News Service, 2003). The damages from disease alone continue to
be the bane of existence for many a farmer, accounting for nearly $90 billion in
crop losses in the US per year (Africa News Service, 2003). Blight
drains the already faltering agriculture industry at the most crucial of levels,
the livelihood of the rare American farmer. This section will serve as your
guide through the many areas and ways in which farmers and researchers alike are
attempting to combat crop disease using genetic modification.
This is an image of stained bacteria
colonies taken from a plant tissue sample. (Plant Pathology, 2003)
*Permission Pending*
Genetic modification is currently
being used to imbue crop species with increased disease resistant in two
main ways:
Using Conventional Techniques
Using Biotechnology
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