Seed Technology

Image of plant science laboratory

A seed technology laboratory

Image of a bag of genetically modified corn seed

Genetically modified seed which is resistant to herbicides

Seed technology is the improvement of physical or genetic properties of seeds and the plants they grow into. It is particularly important in agriculture as disease resistance, drought resistance, herbicide resistance, physical strength and many other attributes are important properties to ensure reliable, high yielding crops.

Genetic modification of plants is a controversial, although very widely used, technique. One side of the debate states that it is an unnatural process and a threat to native ecosystems, the other side states that it is a necessary process to be able to feed the world’s rapidly increasing population.

Reference:

  • Fuller, T., 1732. Gnomologia: Adagies and Proverbs; Wise Sentences and Witty Sayings, Ancient and Modern, Foreign and British. B. Barker; and A. Bettesworth and C. Hitch.

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