The Role of Transgenes in Hybrid Development

Transformation has been a major breakthrough in crop improvement, enabling the transfer of useful genes from virtually any species (Kung and Wu, 1993). Crops with dramatic levels of insect resistance, for example, have been developed through the transfer of genes from soil bacteria. These products have armed growers with the means to protect their crops against pests in a way not previously available through conventional breeding. Likewise, transgenic introductions have offered growers additional options in weed control. Products with novel herbicide resistances have offered opportunities to save on crop inputs and to protect the environment. On the horizon, transgenic crops with improved nutritional qualities in grain will present growers with new opportunities to boost profits. Transgenic crops designed to tolerate environmental stresses will guard productivity in seasons of harsh or fluctuating weather. Clearly, transformation represents a important avenue to be exploited in product development