Genetically modified (GM) crops have become increasingly prevalent in the agriculture industry since their introduction in the 1990s.
These crops undergo genetic modifications that can enhance their growth, resistance to pests and diseases, and ability to withstand environmental stressors. Here are the 30 most prevalent GM crops:.
1. Soybeans
Soybeans are the most extensively grown GM crop in the world, with over 100 million acres planted annually. These crops have been modified to resist herbicides and to improve their yield potential.
2. Corn
Corn is another prevalent GM crop, with over 90 million acres planted each year. These crops have been modified to resist pests and tolerate herbicides, making them easier to cultivate.
3. Cotton
Cotton has been genetically modified to produce a toxin that kills bollworms. This has eliminated the need for traditional pesticides and has increased crop yields.
4. Canola
Canola has been genetically modified to tolerate herbicides, making weed control easier for farmers. These crops are also resistant to pests, resulting in higher yields.
5. Alfalfa
Alfalfa has been genetically modified to resist the herbicide Roundup, simplifying weed control for farmers.
6. Papaya
Papayas have been genetically modified to be resistant to ringspot virus, which was devastating Hawaiian papaya crops. These modified papayas have saved the Hawaiian papaya industry and are now grown throughout the world.
7. Squash
Squash has been genetically modified to resist viruses and other diseases, resulting in higher crop yields and reduced need for pesticides.
8. Potato
Potatoes have been genetically modified to resist pests and diseases, resulting in higher yields and reduced need for pesticides.
9. Sugar Beet
Sugar beets have been genetically modified to tolerate herbicides, simplifying weed control for farmers and increasing yields.
10. Rice
Rice has been genetically modified to tolerate herbicides, which has made weed control easier for farmers and helped to increase yields.
11. Wheat
Wheat has been genetically modified to resist diseases, pests, and environmental stressors, resulting in improved yields and crop quality.
12. Tomato
Tomatoes have been genetically modified to resist diseases and pests, resulting in improved yields and higher-quality produce.
13. Olive
Olive trees have been genetically modified to resist diseases, pests, and drought, resulting in improved crop yields and sustainability.
14. Melon
Melons have been genetically modified to resist pests and disease, resulting in higher yields and better-quality produce.
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15. Banana
Bananas have been genetically modified to resist diseases, specifically the devastating Panama disease that threatens banana crops worldwide.
16. Flax
Flax has been genetically modified to produce a type of omega-3 fatty acid that is beneficial for human health.
17. Soybean meal
Soybean meal is used as animal feed and has been genetically modified to increase the nutritional value for animals.
18. Talpid3
Talpid3 is a type of chicken that has been genetically modified to study a developmental disorder in birds.
19.
Papaya Ringspot Virus
A genetically modified virus that has been used to infect papayas with ringspot virus in order to study the disease and develop resistant papayas.
20. Pepper
Peppers have been genetically modified to resist diseases and pests, resulting in improved crop yields and higher-quality produce.
21. Asparagus
Asparagus has been genetically modified to resist diseases and pests, resulting in improved crop yields and higher-quality produce.
22. Golden Rice
Golden rice has been genetically modified to contain higher levels of vitamin A.
23. Alfalfa with Low Lignin
Alfalfa with low lignin has been genetically modified to make it easier to digest for dairy cows, resulting in better milk production.
24. Squash with Improved Flavor
Squash has been genetically modified to improve its flavor and texture, resulting in higher-quality produce.
25. Bt Cotton
Bt cotton has been genetically modified to produce a toxin that kills bollworms, reducing the need for traditional pesticides and herbicides.
26. Tomatoes with Extended Shelf Life
Tomatoes have been genetically modified to have an extended shelf life, resulting in less waste and improved quality for consumers.
27. Herbicide-Tolerant Canola
Herbicide-tolerant canola has been genetically modified to resist herbicides, making weed control easier for farmers and increasing yields.
28. Insect-Resistant Eggplant
Insect-resistant eggplants have been genetically modified to resist the fruit and shoot borer, a common pest that damages eggplant crops.
29. Insect-Resistant Corn
Insect-resistant corn has been genetically modified to resist common pests, reducing the need for pesticides and resulting in higher yields.
30. Soybeans with Enhanced Oil Content
Soybeans with enhanced oil content have been genetically modified to contain higher levels of healthy fats, making them a healthier choice for consumers.
