Methods of Modification
Breeding: Combining two sexually compatible species to create a variety with the desired characteristics of the parents.
Norman Borlaug crossed two different types of wheat to produce a short-statured variety which prevented tipping, increased yield and disease tolerance contributing to the “Green Revolution”.
Mutagenesis: Use of physical or chemical mutagens to induce random mutations, creating the desired characteristic.
Ruby Sweet® grapefruits were created by exposing seeds to radiation causing a mutation resulting in a deep red fruit color.
An uneven pairing of chromosomes sets occuring after cell division.
Seedless watermelons are a result of combining two varieties of watermelons with a different number of chromosomes.
Transgenesis: Addition of genes from another species resulting in a plant with desired new characteristics.
Rainbow Papaya is modified with an added gene that gives it resistance to the Papaya Ringspot Virus.
Gene Editing: Use of a DNA editing tool such as CRISPR-Cas9 targeting a deletion or edit at a precise location within the cell’s DNA.
A precise deletion in a specific gene prevents the mushroom from browning but all other characteristics remain the same.