AGUSAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

T. Sanchez St., Butuan City

2nd Semester, S.Y. 2020-2021

General Biology 2

Name: Nico Carlos B. PAque Grade/Section: 11-Pythagoras_________________

Teacher: _Ruth B. Villanueva________________________ Date:
5/10/21_________________________________

GMOs

Activity 4

Brief History of the genetically modified crop:

In 1995, Monsanto introduced the NewLeaf variety of potato which was their first genetically
modified crop. It was designed to resist attack from the Colorado potato beetle due to the insertion
of Bt toxin producing genes from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis. The insect-resistant potatoes
found only a small market, and Monsanto discontinued the sale of seed in 2001.

Process involve and benefits:

Processed potatoes are an important nutritional component of our diets. Almost 400 million tonnes
are produced annually, and less than half of the crop is used fresh. The remaining crop is processed
into a variety of foodstuff as products including french fries, dehydrated potato flakes, food
ingredients, animal feed, potato starch and as a starch source for vodka or alcohol production.
Potatoes are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which make them very healthy.
Studies have linked potatoes and their nutrients to a variety of impressive health benefits,
including improved blood sugar control, reduced heart disease risk and higher immunity.
They may also improve digestive health and combat signs of aging. Potatoes are also quite
filling, which means they may help you lose weight by curbing hunger pains and cravings. All
in all, potatoes are a great addition to your diet in moderation. They are also naturally gluten-
free, which means they can be enjoyed by almost everyone.

Recent Development and Environmental Concerns:

Apart from its contribution to food security and economic earnings potato has got
some environmental impacts or problems which associate with it particularly during its production.
The problem includes emission of greenhouse gases and leaching of used fertilizers. Use of soluble
chemical fertilizers for crop production, particularly to supply nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium,
has increased potato yields and quality for several decades. Over the past 10 years, however, there has
been an increased concern over the environmental impact of agricultural fertilizers, particularly as
non-point sources of water pollution. Currently, nitrogen is a target for improved use efficiencies in
potato to reduce potential nitrate contamination of groundwater. Phosphorus management is
increasingly being examined as a potential non-point source contaminant of surface waters. Potato
researchers throughout North America are conducting studies that focus on maintaining or enhancing
crop production while reducing the potential of negative environmental impacts. Precision agriculture,
cover crops, slow-release fertilizers, and genetic manipulation are key strategies being studied.
Concurrently, new challenges are arising, such as concerns over phosphorus leaching and heavy metal
contamination in fertilizers. These have the potential to restrict nutrient use in agricultural systems,
requiring both potato producers and scientists to seek additional alternatives to improve nutrient-use
efficiency.