Biotechnology Information on Prices of Genetically Modified Seeds in the United States and Argentina

摘要

For many years, scientists have used traditional plant-breeding techniques to develop improved plant varieties with higher yields and greater resistance to pests, diseases, and environmental stresses. However, traditional plant-breeding techniques can be very time-consuming-it sometimes takes up to 15 years or more before a new plant variety reaches the market. Furthermore, in traditional breeding, generally only closely related plant species can be used in cross breeding for the development of new varieties and hybrids. Biotechnology-and, more specifically, genetic engineering-enables scientists to breach the reproductive barriers between species. Through the use of genetic engineering techniques, genes from one plant, animal, or microorganism can be incorporated into an unrelated species, thus increasing the range of traits available for developing new plants.