Biotechnology

Plant & Agricultural Biotechnology

Plant biotechnology can be defined as the introduction of desirable traits into plants through genetic modification. Plant biotechnology is a set of techniques used to adapt plants for specific needs or opportunities. Plant biotechnologies that assist in meeting the challenge include genomics, molecular-assisted selection, and transgenic crops (genetic engineering). Agricultural biotechnology is a continuously growing discipline that blends traditional agricultural practices with state-of-the-art developments in genetics and molecular biology. It is a wide category comprising many different types of technology and science, including breeding, genetics, microbiome research, synthetic chemistry, and animal health. Biotechnology has mainly been beneficial in cultivating agricultural productivity and increasing the resistance of plants to diseases. Biotechnology is being used to address problems in all areas of agricultural production and processing. This includes plant breeding to raise and stabilize yields; to increase resistance to pests, diseases and abiotic stresses such as drought and cold; and to enhance the nutritional content of foods.