Assessment of Benefits and Risk of Genetically Modified Plants and Products: Current Controversies and Perspective

Bimal Kumar Ghimire, Chang Yeon Yu, Won-Ryeol Kim, Hee-Sung Moon, Joohyun Lee, Seung Hyun Kim and Ill Min Chung ()
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Bimal Kumar Ghimire: Department of Crop Science, College of Sanghuh Life Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
Chang Yeon Yu: Bioherb Research Institute, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
Won-Ryeol Kim: Department of Crop Science, College of Sanghuh Life Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
Hee-Sung Moon: Department of Crop Science, College of Sanghuh Life Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
Joohyun Lee: Department of Crop Science, College of Sanghuh Life Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
Seung Hyun Kim: Department of Crop Science, College of Sanghuh Life Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
Ill Min Chung: Department of Crop Science, College of Sanghuh Life Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 2, 1-25

Abstract: Genetic transformation has emerged as an important tool for the genetic improvement of valuable plants by incorporating new genes with desirable traits. These strategies are useful especially in crops to increase yields, disease resistance, tolerance to environmental stress (cold, heat, drought, salinity, herbicides, and insects) and increase biomass and medicinal values of plants. The production of healthy plants with more desirable products and yields can contribute to sustainable development goals. The introduction of genetically modified food into the market has raised potential risks. A proper assessment of their impact on the environment and biosafety is an important step before their commercialization. In this paper, we summarize and discuss the risks and benefits of genetically modified plants and products, human health hazards by genetically transformed plants, environmental effects, Biosafety regulations of GMO foods and products, and improvement of medicinal values of plants by the genetic transformation process. The mechanisms of action of those products, their sources, and their applications to the healthcare challenges are presented. The present studies pointed out the existence of several controversies in the use of GMOs, mainly related to the human health, nutritions, environmental issues. Willingness to accept genetically modified (GM) products and the adoption of biosafety regulations varies from country to country. Knowledge about the gene engineering technology, debate between the government agencies, scientist, environmentalist and related NGOs on the GM products are the major factors for low adoptions of biosafety regulation. Therefore, the genetic transformation will help in the advancement of plant species in the future; however, more research and detailed studies are required.

Keywords: transgenic plants; genetic transformation; environmental effects; biosafety regulations; Agrobacterium tumefaciens; electroporation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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