Science and Technology (a State Dept./IIP webpage)

12 February 2007

(Benefits of biotechnology especially could help developing countries)

This is the first of two articles on the future of agricultural biotechnology research.

Washington -- Agricultural biotechnology research being conducted around the world is leading to the development of new crops that will help fight human diseases and increase productivity in cropland that is stressed due to such conditions as drought and poor soil.

The research holds immense promise, especially for the developing world, according to several scientists interviewed by USINFO.

Continuing improvements in biotechnologies are contributing to the development of "functional foods" -- those with components associated with the prevention or treatment of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, arthritis and improved mental alertness, said Martina Newell-McGloughlin, director of the University of California’s biotechnology research and education program.

Plants are being modified to deliver anti-oxidants, which protect against cancer; lipids, which contain essential fatty acids that serve as energy sources; vitamins, such as beta-carotene or vitamin A, which protect against premature blindness and susceptibility to other illnesses; and iron, whose deficiency results in fatigue and decreased immunity, she said.

Bananas and tomatoes are being engineered to deliver, among other things, antibodies for E. coli bacteria-induced diarrhea, a major killer of children around the world. Other plants are being engineered to counteract allergies, Newell-McGloughlin said.

The first crops derived from biotechnology, or genetic modification, were modified to be insect-resistant and herbicide-tolerant, which led to increases in production, according to Bruce Chassy, executive associate director of the University of Illinois’ biotechnology center.

Research that began approximately 15 years ago on these and other traits in a variety of crops continues today in laboratories around the world.

So far, the United States has approved more than 70 genetically modified crops. These crops, which can be grown commercially, include canola, papaya, potato, rice, squash, sugar beets, tomato and tobacco, which is used to help produce a vaccine that fights against a type of lymphoma, said Newell-McGloughlin.

The latest biotech crop commercialized in the United States was alfalfa, a feed crop, which entered the market in 2006, according to Wayne Parrott, professor of crop and soil sciences at the University of Georgia.

The first African-engineered crop to go into field trials is a type of maize resistant to a devastating virus, Parrott said. It is expected to be planted in 2007.

China, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Canada, Argentina, Brazil and South America are among countries at the forefront of research, the scientists said. Biotech crops are being grown commercially in 22 countries.

Research is being directed to making already healthy foods, such as protein-rich soy and soy oil with low or no saturated fats, taste better to consumers, Chassy said.

Also being developed are bioengineered trees capable of absorbing harmful chemicals from the soil and plants that can be converted into plastics and industrial products, he said.

More research is being directed to plants such as cassava and sorghum that are consumed mostly in developing countries but not in countries where most biotech research has been taking place, the scientists said.

Another area of research is plants that can be grown productively in such harsh conditions as drought, salty or acidic soil, and cold, and to resist viruses and fungi, Parrott said.

Making more crops able to grow in current nonarable conditions could contribute to food security and help promote sustainable agriculture, the scientists said.

At the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines, researchers are developing plants that are "phytosynthetically more efficient." These have more leaf surface exposed to the sun, making the leaves more efficient in converting carbon to energy for higher yields, according to Carlos Quiros, a professor and geneticist at the University of California-Davis.

"Farmers now realize they have an economic and commercial advantage" planting biotech seeds that produce crops that are easier to grow, have greater harvests and various uses, Quiros said.

Although considerable research is being conducted by governments, international organizations, foundations, companies and academic institutions, few new products are being commercialized, the scientists said.

They explained that the many, separate country regulatory and patent dispute processes that often are lengthy and costly discourage commercial production. Several of the researchers called for a worldwide regulatory regime.

Also affecting the pace of commercialization is resistance from some consumers to accept that bioengineered foods have been proven to be safe, the scientists said.

Yet, said Chassy, "We are breeding plants that are safer than those from conventional breeding."

For more information about U.S. policies, see Science and Technology.