Genetically Modified Crops
Some micro-organisms have a version of 5-enolpyruvoyl-shikimate-3-phosphate synthetase (EPSPS) that is resistant to glyphosate inhibition. The version used in the initial round of genetically modified crops was isolated from Agrobacterium strain CP4 (CP4 EPSPS) that was resistant to glyphosate. This CP4 EPSPS gene was cloned and transfected into soybeans.
In 1996, genetically modified soybeans were made commercially available. Current glyphosate-resistant crops include soy, maize (corn), sorghum, canola, alfalfa, and cotton, with wheat still under development.
Genetically modified crops have become the norm in the US. For example, in 2010, 70% of all the corn that was planted was herbicide-resistant; 78% of cotton, and 93% of all soybeans.
Read more about this topic: Glyphosate
Famous quotes containing the words genetically, modified and/or crops:
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