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Selective (conventional)
breeding of plants and
animals changes the genetic
make-up of the organisms.
With the use of
biotechnology and gene
technology, these changes
can be more specific.
More changes are also
possible, because genes can
now be moved between
animals, plants and
microorganisms, which is not
possible using conventional
breeding methods.
Plant geneticists are
trying to develop new plants
such as:
- frost-tolerant
sugarcane
- salt and drought
tolerant plants
- salad vegetables that
do not ‘brown’
- fruits and vegetables
with extra vitamins
- sweeter peas
- slow-ripening
pineapples and tomatoes
- long-lasting flowers
- blue roses.
Animal geneticists are
using biotechnology to:
- produce
blowfly-resistant sheep
- produce cattle that
can withstand greater
temperature and water
stresses
- increase wool
production
- reduce diseases in
aquaculture
- improve defences
against stock animal
disease
- improve pig welfare
- protect cattle against
tick-borne diseases
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