Other than resistance to pests, what are the prospects for which genetically engineered plants have been created?

1. To enable them to withstand drought
2. To increase the nutritive value of the produce
3. To enable them to grow and do photosynthesis in spaceships and space stations
4. To increase their shelf life

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2012 Prelims]

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 and 4 only

(c) 1, 2 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (c)        

Explanation:

Genetically modified crops (GM crops) are plants used in agriculture, the DNA of which has been modified using genetic engineering techniques.

Advantages of Genetically engineered plants-

• They are insect resistant and increases the nutritive value of the produce.
• They are virus and herbicide-tolerant.
• They also have a high tolerance to cold/heat, drought, and salinity hence also drought resistant.
• Delayed senescence/fruit ripening/spoilage leading to the extended shelf life of perishable produce.
• Enhanced tolerance to diseases and stress, such as drought, heat, cold, salt, low nutrients.
• Increased biomass and seed yields.

Hence all 1, 2 and 4 are correct.