Mutations happen at a fairly constant rate and can occur every time a cell divides. Although we tend to think of mutations as negative events associated with genetic diseases or cancer, some mutations are beneficial: in our species, mutations have allowed for adaptation to high altitude in Tibetans or have protected individuals from heart disease. The same is true in nature: mutations allow for plants to develop resistance to pests, or in the case of weeds, to pesticides.
However, as Professor Xavier in X-Men points out in the opening credits of the movie, the process is slow. So how can we “force” beneficial mutations to occur quickly? In crop development, we’ve been forcing mutations to happen by a process known as “mutagenesis“, where chemicals or radiation are used to create random mutations generating new traits.
A few recent news articles have reported that plant breeders are turning more frequently to mutagenesis to create new strains because there are fewer regulations. Mutagenesis is considered to be “traditional breeding” and crops generated through mutagenesis are accepted under the USDA’s organic label. This stands in stark contrast to transgenic crops, which are heavily regulated and are excluded from the organic label.
So is traditional breeding, including mutagenesis, “better” than transgenesis? Drumroll… It’s the battle of the methods, thunderdome-style!! Deathmatch: traditional breeding vs transgenesis.
Read full, original article: Deathmatch: Conventional Breeding vs Transgenesis
