Some believe that hybrid and genetically modified seeds are one and the same and harmful to human health. In today’s article, we will discuss each of them and whether they are harmful to human health.
Let’s talk about genetically modified seed material, aka GMO, which means the change in the genetic material of an organism. Through genetic engineering in the laboratory, it is possible to transfer a selected gene from one organism to another.
In agriculture, genetically modified products are used as food for humans or animals. Genetically engineered seed material is resistant to certain pests, diseases, environmental conditions or chemical treatments. The goal of creating genetically modified products is also high nutritional value. The donor organism can be a bacterium, a fungus or a plant. In the case of genetically modified corn, which is resistant to lepidoptera, the gene of the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis has been transferred. This gene produces a protein that is toxic to the pest, eliminating the need for further insecticide use.
As for the hybrid seed material, it is created by crossing two different varieties of the same plant and does not involve transferring the gene of another completely different organism through laboratory intervention.
Breeders are constantly trying to breed plants of the same species, which are distinguished by the best characteristics, fertility, resistance to pests and diseases and to stressful environmental conditions.
Yellow watermelons are often thought to be genetically modified, although they were cultivated in Africa 5,000 years earlier than the well-known red watermelon. Its yellow color is due to the organic pigment beta-carotene, which is also found in carrots and apricots. Beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A in the body, the lack of which causes vision impairment.
Yellow Watermelon Seeds Sugar yellow and Orange king are hybrid varieties and are not genetically engineered. As well as other seed material in the Baraka range. The import and sale of genetically modified seed material is prohibited in Georgia.
According to research, it has not yet been confirmed whether genetically modified products are harmful to human health, although similar questions and doubts do not exist about hybrid seed material.
Baraka wishes you a bountiful harvest!
For more information on these and other topics, see Agrocompany Baraka’s YouTube channel – https://www.youtube.com/@baraka.georgia2230