There are two major fields of biological science that work to address agronomic problems: plant biology and biotechnology. While both disciplines share the same origins, they use different approaches to solve different problems. For instance, conventional plant breeding, transgenic approach, and integrated crop management can all be used to address pest problems. In contrast, plant biotechnology has a specialized focus on crop improvement. It can also be used to help farmers cope with genetic erosion.
Biotechnology is a branch of biology
The field of plant biotechnology is based on a series of techniques and methods to alter plants to meet specific needs and opportunities. This is important in situations where a single crop must meet multiple needs. This crop may be responsible for providing sustainable food, protection of the environment, and employment opportunities. Finding suitable plants can be a difficult and time-consuming process. Biotechnology provides a solution to this problem by increasing efficiency, precision, and expression of added genes in plants. It can also help produce plants with wider range of useful traits.
It is an interdisciplinary field
Students pursuing a MS or PhD in plant biology are well-versed in a broad range of topics in plant biology. Their courses will incorporate state-of-the-art methods of genetics, cell biology, proteomics, bioinformatics, and genomics. Students will develop research skills in plant development, viral pathogen-plant interactions, and higher plant evolution. Their knowledge and research skills will contribute to the future of agriculture.
It is based on zoology and botany
Botany and zoology are fields that study living organisms and their environments. Both sciences use different methods to study these subjects. However, they have many parallels. Botany, for example, focuses on plant functions and relationships with other species. Zoology studies how animals reproduce, but horticulture focuses on creative utilization of plants. Botany also has applications in biotechnology.
It can be used to cope with genetic erosion
One of the biggest challenges facing plant breeding is the depletion of genetic diversity. Genetic erosion occurs due to a variety of factors, including modernization of agriculture and replacement of landraces with improved varieties. This phenomenon has the potential to greatly reduce the genetic diversity of plants, and is a major bottleneck in plant breeding. Genetic erosion occurs at three different levels: individual genes, populations, and species. The concept of genetic erosion was first developed at the Technical Conference Plant Exploration, Utilization, and Conservation of Plant Genetic Resources held in Rome in 1967. Erna Bennet from the FAO was a major contributor to the concepts of genetic erosion.
It can improve the supply of improved seed and planting materials to farmers
New technologies have enabled the development of many products, from antibiotics to animal vaccines. Biotechnology has also been used to improve plant health, and has been beneficial in reducing pesticides. Newly developed seeds and planting materials can withstand different herbicides, and improve the nutritional value of crops. The technology also improves the resistance to diseases and insects. As a result, farmers are now able to produce more crops at a lower cost.
It is a rapidly expanding field
The science of plant biology and biotechnology is rapidly advancing. The field focuses on producing valuable genetic improvements and new varieties with increased resistance to disease and pests. Many industries have emerged in this area, including the production of biopharmaceuticals, artificial seeds, and transgenic plants. Plant tissue culture science is also developing rapidly, allowing scientists to create elite varieties rapidly. But there are still a number of questions that remain unanswered.