Appropriate and Sustainable Plant Biotechnology Applications for Food Security in Developing Economies

Abstract

Appropriate plant biotechnology applications could be a major tool in the fight against hunger and poverty, especially in developing economies. Some promising results have already been reported through a range of biotechnology applications, for example the mass propagation of plants through in vitro clonal propagation, use of molecular markers and marker assisted breeding to improve plant breeding, use of bio-products and the application of molecular techniques for quick and accurate diagnosis of plant diseases. Thus, biotechnology may have the potential to deliver solutions to some of the shortcomings of the green revolution such as the limitations of conventional breeding, poor quality and insufficient quantity of planting materials available to farmers and the negative environmental consequences of high usage of inorganic pesticides and fertilizers. This chapter will elaborate the successful application of these technologies for sustainable agriculture and food security in developing economies. It is envisaged that through partnership between developing and developed economies, and assistance from international organizations and governments, capacity can be developed for developing economies to achieve the full potential of biotechnology and sustainability.