The role of DNA technologies in crop breeding

DNA technologies are bringing together, in life science companies, genetic understanding of biological systems which will support the production of ne w agricultural and medical products. In crop breeding these technologies po tentially extend the range of both the biodiversity that can be accessed an d the traits that can be delivered. Some varieties bred using DNA technolog ies will require more screening and regulation, depending on the trait invo lved, than conventionally bred varieties. The first such varieties are bein g taken up by farmers very rapidly in many parts of the world.