Genetic technology
Genetic sequencing is a process which allows scientists to determine the precise sequence of DNA nucleotides for a living organism.
This technology can be used to identify organisms that possess the allele for desired characteristics, for example disease resistance. These organisms can then be used within breeding programmes to try and incorporate the desired characteristic into new cultivars.
Single genes for desirable characteristics that have been identified through genetic sequencing can also be inserted into the genomes of crop plants creating genetically modified plants with improved characteristics.
Some breeding programmes involve using crop plants that have been genetically modified using recombinant DNA technology. For example, inserting the Bt toxin gene into plants will result in the genetically modified plants having pest resistance. The glyphosate resistance gene can be inserted to give the genetically modified plants herbicide tolerance.