Question

What is genetic manipulation? How is it useful in agricultural practices?

Answer 1

Hint: The genetic manipulation alterations the genome for human benefits. In addition to this, Genetic manipulation helps in achieving superior quality crops, which have a very high yield.

Step by step answer:Genetic manipulation is commonly known as Plant breeding. Plant breeding is a process in which the genotype or the genetic material of a plant is modified or manipulated in such a way that it is beneficial for humans. It is the genetic improvement of the crop plants to create desired plant types. These plant types are better suited for cultivation, they give better yields, and they are highly resistant to diseases and pathogens.
Most of the crops that we consume today are the result of Plant breeding. They have all been produced due to advancements in the field of genetics and molecular biology.
Thus, genetic manipulation of crops is very important for agriculturists. This is because they can produce crops that have high yields and improved food and nutrient quality. Such crops are usually called as the HYV or High-yielding varieties. Genetic manipulation also increases the tolerance of the crops towards environmental stresses. Environmental factors like salinity, extreme temperatures, drought, etc. affect the production of the crops on a very large scale. Lastly, it also helps in creating resistance in plants against pathogens like bacteria, fungi, viruses, insects, etc.

Note: Genetic manipulation techniques include Hybridization breeding, Mutation breeding, Tissue culture, etc. While Hybridization is a simpler process and can be performed in the field by any learned person, Mutation breeding and Tissue culture can only be done by scientists in Labs in-vitro.