There is More Hope in Modern Crop Biotechnology Than in Marker Assisted Selection (MAS)

WICHITA, KANSAS (July 12, 2006) – In his latest entry, blogger James Wachai explains that compared with marker assisted selection (MAS), transgenic technology has proved effective in enhancing food security.

Through transgenic technology, the world has witnessed genetically modified crops that yield high and are insect resistant. This has saved farmers money that could have otherwise be spent on pesticides.

Genetically modified crops such as Bt corn, cotton and soya, are now being widely grown in at least twenty one countries. The majority of these countries are from the developing world where population growth is on steady ascent without corresponding expansion of land for cultivation.

“Transgenic technology remains unrivalled in terms of developing high yielding and pest resistant crops,” notes James.

“This, perhaps, explains why since the commercialization of the first genetically modified crop a decade ago, more than 240 million acres of these crops have been planted in a record twenty one countries. Surely, twenty one countries can’t be wrong on genetically modified crops.”

Marker assisted selection has the potential to improve agriculture. However, the applause and accolades end there. It’s still a subject of laboratory investigations.

While there are currently 240 million acres of land under genetically modified crops, there is virtually nothing to show about marker assisted selection crops.

The Gmo Africa blog offers commentary and news on the international application of modern agricultural biotechnology. On the Web at http://www.gmoafrica.org