Biotechnology in support of the modernization of Philippine agriculture.
Ramirez D. A., Altoveros N. C.
Author Affiliation: Institute of Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture University of the Philippines Los Baņos, College, Laguna, Philippines.
Philippine Journal of Crop Science 25 : 69-71
Abstract : To address the continued increase in population, food production technologies need to be complemented and augmented with new technologies. Such technologies must ensure food security as well as ecological security by enhancing biological productivity per unit of land and water in an ecologically sustainable basis. The authors cite biotechnologies such as transgenic crops which can impact on Philippine agricultural modernization. They cited the following to have potentially the greatest impact: (2) introduction of important horticultural/agronomic traits such as disease and pest resistance traits into important crops; (2) introduction of quality traits such as delayed ripening in strategic fruit and vegetable crops such as mango, papaya, tomato and banana; (3) production of important industrial and medical products in crops such as oils, plastics, vaccines and antibodies. For the safe and responsible applications of biotechnology in agriculture, biosafety concerns must be adequately addressed. The public should also be properly informed about the benefits and issues related to biotech products to enable them to make informed and objective choices.