Examples: Bt cotton, Golden rice, herbicide-resistant maize

Back to: Botany 400 Level

How far, my Afrilearn champion? I hope say you dey ready to unlock some powerful examples of genetically modified plants today! In today’s lesson, we go look at some of the real-life examples of plants that have been modified using biotechnology. These examples, like Bt cotton, Golden rice, and herbicide-resistant maize, are some of the most talked-about genetically modified (GM) crops around the world. They show how plant biotechnology can solve some of the most pressing challenges in agriculture. Let’s break it down in a simple and relatable way.

Examples: Bt cotton, Golden rice, herbicide-resistant maize

You know how in Nigeria, farmers face different challenges like pests, diseases, and unpredictable weather? Well, genetically modified (GM) crops are like superhero plants that have been designed to fight back against these challenges. Through biotechnology, scientists have introduced specific genes into plants to make them more resistant to pests, better able to grow in harsh conditions, or more nutritious. Let’s look at some amazing examples that show how GM crops are changing the game in agriculture.

 

 

Bt cotton is one of the most famous GM crops, and for a good reason! It was developed to help cotton farmers protect their crops from harmful pests, especially the bollworm, which is a major pest for cotton plants.

1. How It Works
   Bt cotton contains a gene from a soil bacterium called Bacillus thuringiensis (hence the “Bt” name). This gene produces a toxin that is toxic to certain insects but harmless to humans and animals. When bollworms eat parts of the cotton plant, they ingest this toxin, which kills the pest.
   
2. Benefits
   
   • Reduced pesticide use: Farmers no longer have to spray as many chemical pesticides on their cotton fields, which is better for the environment. 
   • Increased yield: With fewer pests attacking the plants, cotton farmers can harvest more cotton.
     

In Nigeria, Bt cotton has been trialed and is slowly gaining ground, helping local farmers increase their yields while reducing the cost and environmental harm caused by chemical pesticides.

Golden Rice

Next up is Golden rice, which was developed to fight a very serious health problem: Vitamin A deficiency. This deficiency affects millions of people, especially in developing countries like Nigeria, where rice is a staple food.

1. How It Works
   Golden rice has been genetically modified to produce beta-carotene, the compound that gives the rice its golden colour and is a precursor to Vitamin A. By eating Golden rice, people can get a source of Vitamin A, which is essential for good vision and immune function.
   
2. Benefits
   
   • Combat malnutrition: Golden rice provides a solution to Vitamin A deficiency, which is a leading cause of blindness in children and weakened immunity in many African countries.
     
   • Affordable and accessible: Rice is a widely consumed crop, so adding nutritional value to it makes a big impact on public health.
     

Golden rice is being introduced in countries like the Philippines, and research is ongoing to bring it to African countries, including Nigeria, where it can be used to tackle malnutrition.

Herbicide-Resistant Maize

Finally, we have herbicide-resistant maize, which has been developed to make it easier for farmers to control weeds that compete with crops for nutrients, water, and sunlight.

1. How It Works
   This type of maize has been genetically modified to tolerate certain herbicides, like glyphosate. Normally, when a farmer sprays herbicide on their field, it kills both weeds and crops. But herbicide-resistant maize can survive these sprays, allowing farmers to kill weeds without harming the maize plants. 

 

1. Benefits
   
   • Better weed control: It allows farmers to manage weeds more easily and efficiently, leading to higher yields.
     
   • Reduced labour: Since the maize can survive herbicide treatments, farmers spend less time manually weeding their fields.
     
   • Lower costs: Fewer manual weeding and less use of herbicides overall can reduce farming costs.
     

Herbicide-resistant maize has been adopted in many countries, including the United States, where it’s become a common practice among farmers. It’s also been trialled in various African countries, and if successful, it could be a game-changer for Nigerian maize farmers.

Summary

• Bt cotton: Genetically modified to produce a toxin that kills bollworms, reducing pesticide use and increasing yield.
  
• Golden rice: Modified to produce beta-carotene (Vitamin A), helping to fight Vitamin A deficiency and malnutrition in developing countries.
  
• Herbicide-resistant maize: Modified to withstand herbicides, making weed control easier and cheaper for farmers.
  

These examples show how biotechnology can make crops more resilient, nutritious, and easier to grow. In Nigeria, where agriculture plays a major role in the economy, these GM crops could help farmers overcome challenges and feed a growing population.

Evaluation

1. How does Bt cotton help farmers manage pests?
   
2. What is the main benefit of Golden rice?
   
3. How does herbicide-resistant maize make farming easier?
   
4. Can you think of any challenges that might come with the adoption of GM crops in Nigeria?
   

From Bt cotton to Golden rice, you’ve just learnt about some of the coolest ways biotechnology is being used to improve agriculture and public health. Keep this momentum going, because the future is bright for you in plant biotechnology! You’re on the right track, and I’m so excited for you to see what comes next in your learning journey. Let’s keep shining!

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