New Breeding Techniques (NBTs) are a broad range of methods used for the modifying of genomes and gene expression. Hennie Groenewald, executive manager of Biosafety SA, says that NBTs have an important role to play in developing countries such as South Africa, where the lower costs of the technology make it a viable solution in a competitive market.
"Plant breeding started more than 10 000 years ago, when farmers selected and multiplied plants with the most desirable traits. A major breakthrough in breeding occurred in 1865, when Gregor Mendel first presented the results of his experiments on crossbreeding. This was followed by the development of hybrid breeding in the 1930s, tissue and cell culture methods in the 1960s, and recombinant DNA techniques and genetic engineering in the 1980s.
The subsequent development of genetic engineering (GE) techniques enabled the routine transfer of genetic material between sexually incompatible organisms, and saw the introduction of the first genetically modified (GM) crops in the early 1990s. This raised novel biosafety risks, which resulted in these products being subjected to additional legislation targeting genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to ensure their safety as foods and feed, as well as to the environment. In addition, because of the context in which GM crops are commercialised, their socioeconomic viability is proactively regulated in many countries.
The GMO Act in South Africa is an example of such legislation, and defines a GM product as genetic material modified in a way that does not occur naturally.
Until recently, deciding whether a new product was considered a GMO (and therefore subject to this additional regulation) was a relatively simple matter. A non-GMO was obtained by breeding techniques that exploited only endogenous genetic potential (conventional breeding), while a GMO contained genetic material from another, sexually incompatible organism that was transferred using GE techniques.
More recent biotechnological developments, generally referred to as New Breeding Techniques (NBTs), or Precision Breeding Techniques, have blurred these lines.
Denne historien er fra March 16, 2018-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra March 16, 2018-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
