Plant Biotechnology

Definition:
The plant biotechnology is that in which techniques are used as in animal and produce new and best plant species. OR

Science of altering the genetic pattern of plants in order to increase their value.

Introduction:
Increased crop yield is the primary aim of most plant-breeding programs; advantages of the hybrids and new varieties developed include adaptation to new agricultural areas, greater resistance to disease and insects, greater yield of useful parts, better nutritional content of edible parts, and greater physiological efficiency. Other goals are adaptation of crops to modern production techniques such as mechanical harvesting and improvement in the market quality of the product. Traditionally, plant breeders have made genetic changes in crops by using various crossing and selection methods, creating desirable hybrids; breeders also now attempt to induce favorable genetic mutations by the use of ultraviolet light, gamma radiation, or chemicals. With the development of genetic engineering, plant breeders have increasingly used its techniques to introduce desirable traits (i.e., genes), often from other species, into cultivated plants.

Father of Plant Biotechnology:

The father of plant tissue culture is French botanist George Morel who discovered the technique in 1965.

Objective:
Scientists believe that the new technology would allow introduction of agronomic ally genes into crop species that are susceptible to agro-bacterial infections.

History of Plant Biotechnology:

The foundations of modern plant biotechnology can be traced back to the Cell Theory of Schleiden (1838) and Schwann (1839), which recognized the cell as the primary unit of all living organisms. The concept of cellular totipotency, which was inherent in

the Cell Theory and forms the basis of plant biotechnology, was further elaborated by Haberlandt, who predicted the production of somatic embryos from vegetative cells. This brief historical account traces the development of technologies for the culture, regeneration and transformation of plants that led to the production of transgenic crops which have become central to the many applications of plant biotechnology, and celebrates the pioneering men and women whose trend-setting contributions made it all possible.

Scope of Biotechnology:
Plant biotechnology offers research and production of transgenic plants of plant products or micro organisms which could be of use to mankind as food, medicine, life saving drugs etc Genetic engineering is the apt term. We can produce raw materials like starch for industries, protein and food supplements in bulk quantities in laboratories which could be used by industries for use as human or animal feeds. In plant breeding, for yield, resistance to pests and diseases, stress conditions, etc we can use biotechnology. Over the last one decade plant biotechnology has gained importance in the agricultural community. During this time period, plant tissue culture has traveled from the small laboratories and reached the mainstream. Plant tissue culture refers to the collection of ways which are used for growing large number of plant cells in a closely controlled environment. This technique works well as each cell has the genetic information and cellular machinery required for generating an entire organism and this technique could be put to use for producing a large number of plants which are genetically identical to a parent as well as to one another. The culture of tissue, plant cells and organs under aseptic conditions is undertaken in plant tissue culture techniques. An important role is played by these techniques in the production of horticultural, agricultural, ornamental plants and in manipulating plants for improved agronomic performance.

Plant biotechnology in the 21st century: the challenges ahead:

In a world where population growth is outstripping food supply agricultural -and especially plant-biotechnology, needs to be swiftly implemented in all walks of life. Achievements today in plant biotechnology have already surpassed all previous expectations, and the future is even more promising. The full realization of the agricultural biotechnology revolution depends on both continued successful and

innovative research and development activities and on a favorable regulatory climate and public acceptance. Biotechnology should be fully integrated with classical physiology and breeding: (1) As an aid to classical breeding (2) For generation of engineered organisms (3) For integration of microorganisms into agricultural production systems. Biotechnology is nowadays changing the agricultural and plant scene in three major areas: (1) Growth and development control (vegetative, generative and reproduction/propagation) (2) Protecting plants against the ever-increasing threats of a-biotic and biotic stress (3) Expanding the horizons by producing specialty foods, biochemical and pharmaceuticals.