Author(s)

Hari P. Singh, Bharat P. Singh

Agricultural Research Station, Fort Valley State University, Fort Valley, GA, USA.

Ability to modify plants at the genomic level by advanced molecular technology has enhanced the scope of improvements in plant traits attempted earlier through conventional breeding methods. Techniques such as genetic transformation have opened new vistas whereby functional genes, not commonly present in a particular species can be added from other species. The traits incorporated into the genetically engineered plants in the beginning were confined to those governed by dominant genes, e.g. insecticide resistance and herbicide tolerance but advancements with time now also permit the transfer of complexly inherited traits such as drought and cold tolerance. Transgenic technology is also useful in understanding gene expression and metabolic pathways which can then be used to harness the full genomic potential of the plant. This review presents a narrative on development of transgenics and their use for the improvement of field, industrial and pharmaceuticals crops. In addition, discussions are made on current status on genetically modified crops, hurdles to genetic engineering, overcoming strategies and future scope.

Genetic Engineering (GE), Transgenic, Genetically Modified (GM), Field Crops, Industrial Crops, Pharmaceutical Crops, Molecular Farming

Singh, H. and Singh, B. (2014) Genetic Engineering of Field, Industrial and Pharmaceutical Crops. American Journal of Plant Sciences, 5, 3974-3993. doi: 10.4236/ajps.2014.526416.