The 'super crops' of the future

Genetically modified (GM) crops have been around for a generation but there are now new possibilities thanks to developments in understanding of the makeup of plants.

By Louise Gray, Environment CorrespondentPublished: 8:01AM BST 21 Oct 2009
:: Pest resistant plants: Scientists have developed crops that are resistant to pests and disease by adding genes with antibacterial or insecticide qualities. Blight resistant potatoes are the most likely crop to be grown commercially in Britain.
:: Self fertilisers: Plants that take nitrogen out of the air and deposit in the soil take away the need to use artificial nitrates that are expensive and bad for the environment. Some plants do this naturally and scientists are working on ways to give other crops the ability.

More nutritious foods: Scientists can take the genes that provide nutrients like Vitamin A in carrots or Omega 3 from fish oils and put it into a variety of crops. Plants can even be genetically modified to produce drugs such as insulin.
:: Super efficient plants: Plants could be developed to gather more energy from the sun through photosynthesis, allowing them to grow bigger, faster. Crops could also be manipulated to grow more than once, therefore taking away the need for farmers to plough the soil and plant a new seed.
:: Drought resistant plants: Dry regions could benefit if scientists manage to develop plants that can survive in harsher environments. Flood resistant plants could also become more important as the climate changes.