Genetically Modified Crops

What is it?

Genetic modification is when individual genes with specific desirable traits are transferred from one organism to another, for plants this means crops are altered to make them:

1. Resistant to certain pests, insects and diseases
2. Heat and drought tolerant
3. Salt tolerant
4. Able to withstand extreme weather

Examples of GM crops

Types of genetically modified crops include wheat, rice, canola, cotton, maize, barley + more

• In Africa they have developed drought resistant maize that boosts harvest by 10-35%
• In Asia drought tolerant rice has been developed and can survive without water for 12 days
• In Australia, drought tolerant types of wheat are being trialled and do not require as much water and are more resistant to disease
• Genetically modified cotton that produced a protein which kills caterpillars
• Chickpeas withstand drought and hotter temp.

Samoa

Instead of GM, in Samoa they are simply changing the type of crop to better suit Samoa's conditions. Long term crops that can withstand damage from harsh weather and bananas that can be harvested quickly.