Thirty Years of Plant Transformation
Thirty years of plant transformation A case study exploring the impact of plant transformation technology on plant science research and the global agricultural biotechnology industry Credits, left to right, Dominik Maenni, Jason Yardley, Toony, US Agricultural Research Service Thirty years of plant transformation In 1983 researchers demonstrated that they could insert role in identifying the genetic basis of important crop new genes into a plant genome, using a species of soil characteristics, which breeders are incorporating into Impact Summary bacteria called Agrobacterium tumefaciens. new varieties with increased yield, disease resistance AFRC-funded research at the Plant Breeding or which produce healthier, more nutritious food. Institute (PBI), Cambridge, published in 1983 The breakthrough was made simultaneously by three Much of this work relies on genetic tools developed by enabled researchers to create transgenic research groups, including a team at the Plant Breeding researchers at PBI. plants using Agrobacterium-mediated plant Institute (PBI) in Cambridge UK, which was funded transformation. by BBSRC’s predecessor the Agricultural and Food Plant transformation technology also led to the creation Research Council (AFRC). The genetic tools developed of the agricultural biotechnology industry, which in at PBI became freely available to academics, ensuring 2012 had a global market value of US$14.84Bn1. The the technique was adopted by research groups around genetically modified crops produced by this industry are The technology, including novel vectors and the world. now grown in countries such as the USA, Brazil, India reporter genes developed at PBI, revolutionised and China, although different regulations and on-going research around the world, and now forms a Since then, the technology, known as ‘Agrobacterium- public debate mean few are grown in Europe.
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