As a nation, we benefit from an abundant food supply. We enjoy a variety of fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy and grain products. To ensure safe and adequate supplies, scientists have used crop modification techniques to increase production, improve quality and make them more disease resistant.

Some foods that have been bred for certain traits include seedless watermelon, broccoli, grapes and other citrus fruits. This breeding allows us to enjoy foods that are more convenient and attractive.

Another example can be found in agriculture. Corn and soybean have been bred to increase or decrease various characteristics. In the 1990s, farmers started using genetic modifying technology to produce plants with traits that make them resistant to herbicides and pests. This has been effective for corn and soybean supplies, as well as cotton production.

For more information visit our website: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/ag/