RECENT ADVANCES IN PLANT GENETIC-ENGINEERING

Gene transfer technologies have facilitated researchers to produce both monocot and dicot transgenic plants, independent of their genotype. The analysis of molecular markers can accomplish the characterization, gene mapping and identification, certification and patent protection of cultivars. The expression of a target gene can be inhibited with antisense RNA. With the specific gene transfer, many goals-biological control of insect pests and fungi, male sterility, virus resistance, improving seed protein, transgenic plants as 'bioreactors'-can be accomplished. Yet more concerted efforts are needed to study the genes related to environmental stress including greenhouse effect, quantitative traits, and field evaluation of transgenes in transgenic plants. The cost effectiveness in producing transgenic cultivars and parameters such as yield, quality, and nutrition will determine the wider use of transgenic germplasm in plant breeding.