Achievements of agricultural biotechnology: An initiative to double the farmer’s income through cutting edge technology

The population of the world is increasing nearly exponentially over time. To feed this population following the environment conservation protocol, it is essential to enhance the agricultural productivity even in the synchronizing agrarian land use pattern. To enhance the quality and productivity in agriculture sector, introducing the cutting edge technology is need of the hour.From ancient times, traditional approaches like selective breeding, adoption of agronomic management practices and application of indigenous technical knowledge have been used to attain resilience against various abiotic and biotic stresses. However, these traditional approaches are not sufficient to tackle the increasing repercussions of climate change and feed quality food to the expanding population. Therefore, in order to address these issues of climate change, population explosion and malnutrition, biotechnological interventions can be a promising approach. In the past, biotechnology based approaches have given successful products like Herbicide-resistant Soybean, Pusa Basmati 1, Bt Cotton, Bt Brinjal, Flavr-Savr tomato, a therapeutically significant product of Lithospermum erythrorhizon and Panax ginseng. Besides that many more need based products are in pipeline which is under scrutiny of regulatory bodies, policymakers and environmentalists. It is profoundly expected that in the coming day’s agricultural biotechnology applications will bring revolutionary changes to existing agricultural scenario. Therefore, in this review, we have summarized the achievement of agricultural biotechnology that is assisting to enhance the agricultural produce to double the income of farmers. However, this much is not enough; hence full utilization of all the sustainable agricultural biotechnological tools must come into the existence that definitely will boost the agricultural productivity.

Biofortification efficiency with magnesium salts on the increase of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity in snap beans / Eficiência da biofortificação com sais de magnésio no aumento de compostos bioativos e capacidade antioxidante em feijão-vagem

ABSTRACT: Biofortification of food crops is implemented through the application of mineral fertilizers, to improve the levels of essential mineral elements for human nutrition. Magnesium is a key macronutrient in crop production and quality; however, worldwide, it is the most limiting macronutrient in agriculture. Magnesium plays an important role in manipulating physiological and biochemical processes in plants. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of biofortification with magnesium chloride and sulfate on the accumulation of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity in snap bean cv. Strike. Two sources of Magnesium were applied via edaphic route: Magnesium chloride and magnesium sulfate at doses of 0, 50, 100 and 200 ppm during 2018 in Mexico. Accumulation of bioactive compounds (total phenols, total flavonoids and total anthocyanins) and antioxidant capacity in snap bean fruits were evaluated. Results obtained indicate that the concentration of total flavonoids, total anthocyanins and antioxidant capacity in the edible parts of snap beans were higher in the MgSO4 treatment than in the MgCl2 treatments, exceeding 30, 59 and 6% respectively. This is one of the first studies on the edaphic agronomic biofortification of Mg+ and its effect on nutraceutical quality in snap bean. An interesting result is that MgSO4 produced high concentrations of anthocyanins in edible snap beans. These results can be applied as a new strategy to reduce malnutrition and improve the health of the population in poor urban and rural communities in developing countries.

RESUMO: A biofortificação de culturas alimentares é implementada através da aplicação de fertilizantes minerais, para melhorar os níveis de elementos minerais essenciais para a nutrição humana. O magnésio é um macronutriente essencial na produção e qualidade das culturas, no entanto, em todo o mundo, é o macronutriente mais limitante da agricultura. O magnésio desempenha um papel importante na manipulação de processos fisiológicos e bioquímicos nas plantas. Portanto, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficácia da biofortificação com cloreto e sulfato de magnésio no acúmulo de compostos bioativos e capacidade antioxidante em feijões verdes cv. Strike. Duas fontes de magnésio foram aplicadas por via edáfica: cloreto de magnésio e sulfato de magnésio nas doses de 0, 50, 100 e 200 ppm durante o ano de 2018 no México. Foram avaliados o acúmulo de compostos bioativos (fenóis totais, flavonóides totais e antocianinas totais) e a capacidade antioxidante em frutos de feijão-vagem. Os resultados obtidos indicam que a concentração de flavonoides totais, antocianinas totais e capacidade antioxidante nas partes comestíveis do feijão-vagem foram maiores no tratamento com MgSO4 do que nos tratamentos com MgCl2, ultrapassando 30, 59 e 6% respectivamente. Este é um dos primeiros estudos sobre a biofortificação agronômica edáfica do Mg+ e seu efeito na qualidade nutracêutica do feijão-vagem. Um resultado interessante é que o MgSO4 produziu altas concentrações de antocianinas no feijão-vagem comestível. Esses resultados podem ser aplicados como uma nova estratégia para reduzir a desnutrição e melhorar a saúde da população em comunidades urbanas e rurais pobres em países em desenvolvimento.

Genomic marker assisted identification of genetic loci and genes associated with variation of grain zinc concentration in rice

A study was conducted to examine the genetic divergence and to determine the genetic loci and genes associated with natural variation of grain zinc (Zn) concentration among 28 landraces, improved varieties and advanced breeding lines of rice using candidate gene specific primers. Field evaluation of the experimental material was conducted in randomized block design with three replications and Zn content in unpolished grains of the entries was determined by addition of nitric acid and perchloric acid (1:3) following the procedure ofdiacid digestion method. Statistical analysis revealed the exploitable extent of variability with respect to grain Zn concentration among the entries. Eighteen entries were selected from the two extremes of grain Zn distribution range and subjected to molecular profiling using a panel of 14 candidate genes specific 12 reported and 14 designed primer pairs. Only eight (OsZIP1-1, OsZIP3a, OsZIP4a, OsZIP5-3, OsZIP7-2, OsZIP8b, OsNRAMP7 and OsNAAT1) reported and eight (OsZIP3K, OsZIP4K, OsZIP5K, OsZIP7K, OsNRAMP7K, OsNAAT1K, OsNACK and OsYSL14K) designed primers generated polymorphic amplified products showing sequence length variation due to targeted amplification of candidate genes specific genomic regions. Ample genetic differentiation and divergence were revealed among the entries, which were accommodated into similarity coefficient-based six clusters, remarkably consistent with grain Zn concentrationof the entries. Hierarchical classification pattern of entries was almost completely corroborated by principal co-ordinate analysisbased spatial distribution pattern of their genetic profiles. Molecular analysis based on candidate genes specific primers appeared to be an efficient approach for the elucidation of genetic differentiation and divergence in relation to variation of grain Zn concentration among entries. Hence, these markers can be effectively and efficiently utilized for grain Zn concentration related discrimination of rice genotypes and selection of parental genotypes for grain Zn biofortification. Microsatellites were detected within the candidate genes and amplicons, thereby providing a basis to deduce that the repeat sequence length variation in candidate genes may be a role player in the differential grain Zn accumulation in rice varieties. Single marker analysis established the association of OsNACK, OsZIP1-1, OsNRAMP7 and OsNRAMP7K with grain Zn concentration. Thus, these four markers can be effectively used in marker-assisted selection programme for grainZn biofortification in rice.

Genetic dissection of grain iron and zinc concentrations in lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.)

Iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) deficiencies are wide spread in South Asia and Africa. Biofortification of food crops is a viable means of addressing micronutrient deficiencies. Lentil is an important pulse crop that provides affordable source of proteins, minerals, fibre and carbohydrates for micronutrient deficient countries. An association mapping (AM) panel of 96 diverse lentil genotypes fromIndia and Mediterranean region was evaluated for three seasons and genotyped using 80 polymorphic simple-sequence repeat (SSR) markers for identification of the markers associated with grain Fe and Zn concentrations. A Bayesian model based clustering identified five subpopulations, adequately explaining the genetic structure of the AM panel. The linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis usingmixed linear model (MLM) identified two SSR markers, GLLC106 and GLLC108, associated with grain Fe concentration explaining 17% and 6% phenotypic variation, respectively and three SSR markers (PBALC 364, PBALC 92 and GLLC592) associated with grain Zn concentration, explaining 6%, 8% and 13% phenotypic variation, respectively. The identified SSRs exhibited consistentperformance across three seasons and have potential for utilization in lentil molecular breeding programme.

Staple Crops Biofortification Linking Agriculture, Food and Nutrition towards Eliminating Hidden Hunger

Agriculture is the mainstay of most of people globally. Despite the fact that agriculture has been a traditionally food and nutrition source, people go to bed without food and suffer from malnutrition even within the same households. Similarly, hunger and hidden hunger remains a worldwide widespread challenge. In response, researchers have tried to enhance micronutrients through staple food crops biofortification. The promotion of biofortified crops and unintended narrowed food choices might have been the underlying factor for the coexisting forms of malnutrition: undernutrition, obesity and increased incidence of non-communicable diseases; a malnutrition double burden problem. Therefore, this paper provides views to rethinking critically in order to take steps towards integrating nutrition education in modern agriculture crop biofortification programs more effectively.

Nutritional security through crop biofortification in India: Status & future prospects

Malnutrition has emerged as one of the most serious health issues worldwide. The consumption of unbalanced diet poor in nutritional quality causes malnutrition which is more prevalent in the underdeveloped and developing countries. Deficiency of proteins, essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals leads to poor health and increased susceptibility to various diseases, which in turn lead to significant loss in Gross Domestic Product and affect the socio-economic structure of the country. Although various avenues such as dietary-diversification, food-fortification and medical-supplementation are available, biofortification of crop varieties is considered as the most sustainable and cost-effective approach where the nutrients reach the target people in natural form. Here, we have discussed the present status on the development of biofortified crop varieties for various nutritional and antinutritional factors. Ongoing programmes of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research on the improvement of nutritional traits in different crops have been presented. Challenges and future prospects of crop biofortification in India have also been discussed. The newly developed biofortified crop varieties besides serving as an important source for livelihood to poor people assume great significance in nutritional security.

Estudio piloto de preferencia y aceptabilidad de recetas con camote biofortificado: un estudio transversal a nivel comunitario / Pilot Study on Preference and Acceptability of Biofortified Sweet Potatoes Recipes: A Community-based Cross-sectional Study

Resumen Antecedentes: la deficiencia de vitamina A persiste como problema de salud pública en el área campesina e indígena de Panamá. Objetivo: determinar la aceptabilidad y preferencia de las amas de casa por cuatro recetas con camote biofortificado en comunidades indígenas y campesinas. Materiales y métodos: estudio piloto descriptivo y transversal en 50 amas de casas provenientes de Chichica, Comarca indígena Ngäbe-Buglé, y El Copé, comunidad campesina ubicada en la provincia de Coclé, Panamá. Se aplicaron pruebas de aceptabilidad sensorial y de preferencia mediante escala hedónica a cuatro recetas locales de camote (pesada de camote, refresco de camote, tamal de camote y camote asado). Se recolectaron datos sociodemográficos, sobre diversidad dietética y frecuencia de consumo de alimentos fuente de vitamina A. También se realizó un análisis de contenido de vitamina A al camote biofortificado. Resultados: participaron 50 mujeres, 62 % Chichica, 52 % edad 34-49 años. Se observó diferencia en la diversidad de dieta por comunidad para raíces/ tubérculos y vegetales/hortalizas en Chichica (81 % y 48 %, respectivamente) y El Copé (42 % y 11 %, respectivamente) (prueba de proporciones prtest, p<0,05); también en frutas color naranja, vísceras/carnes y lácteos en Chichica (55 %, 42 % y 58 %, respectivamente) y El Copé (84 %, 74 % y 79 %, respectivamente) (prtest, p<0,05). La aceptabilidad fue alta para pesada (94 %), refresco (98 %), tamal (100 %) y camote asado (84 %). La preferencia fue alta para tamal de camote (92 %), sin diferencias por comunidad (prtest, p=0,112). La preferencia fue alta para pesada en El Copé (74 %) y refresco en Chichica (61 %), se observó diferencia significativa (prtest, p=0,0163). El contenido de vitamina A del camote biofortificado fue de 1000 µg/100 g. Conclusiones: las cuatro preparaciones evaluadas son aceptadas. La preferencia es mayor para el tamal en ambas comunidades, la pesada de camote en El Copé y el refresco de camote en Chichica.

Abstract Background: Vitamin A deficiency persists as public health problem in Panamanian rural communities. Objective: To determine acceptability and preference of four recipes using biofortified sweet potatoes by Panamanian women in rural non-indigenous and indigenous communities. Materials and Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional pilot study with 50 women from rural non-indigenous and indigenous communities of El Cope (Coclé Province) and Chichica (Comarca Ngäbe Buglé), in Panama. Sensory acceptability and preference tests were applied using hedonic scale to evaluate four local recipes (sweet potato pesada, sweet potato drink, sweet potato tamale, and roasted sweet potato). Sociodemographic data, diversity of diet and frequency of vitamin A food sources were collected. Additionally, vitamin A composition analysis were used to evaluate the content in the biofortified sweet potato. Results: A total of 50 women, 62 % in Chichica, 52 % in 34-49 years range. Significant difference was observed in diet diversity for roots/tubers and vegetables groups in Chichica 81 % y 48 %, respectively) and El Copé (42 % y 11 %, respectively) (proportional test (prtest), p<0.05); as well as for orange colored fruits, meats and milk/dairy groups in Chichica (55 %, 42 % y 58 %, respectively) and El Copé (84 %, 74 % y 79 %, respectively) (prtest, p<0.05). High acceptability for all recipes, pesada (94 %), sweet potato drink (98 %), tamale (100 %), and roasted sweet potato (84 %). Preference is high for sweet potato tamale in both communities as a savory recipe; and sweet potato pesada in El Copé (74 %) and sweet potato drink in Chichica (61 %) as sweet recipes (prtest, p=0.0163). Vitamin A content in the biofortified sweet potato is 1000µg/100g. Conclusion: The four recipes are accepted. Preference for tamale in both communities; preference for pesada in El Copé and sweet potato drink in Chichica.

Selenium behavior in the soil environment and its implication for human health / Comportamento de selênio no solo e sua implicação para a saúde humana

ABSTRACT Selenium (Se) is an important element that was discovered in 1817, and since the 1960s, it has been regarded as an essential micronutrient for both animals and humans, playing among other functions a relevant role in the antioxidant system of mammals. Inadequate blood Se levels in the human body is a well-known concern in many parts of the world. This malnutrition problem is often due to Se-poor diet, probably as a result of the low Se availability in soils where crops are growing. Nowadays, it is known that not only the total content, but also the inorganic and organic forms of Se contained in foods are important for human nutrition. However, paradoxically some regions of the world present high Se levels in soils causing several functional disorders and diseases in people who live in seleniferous areas. As essential micronutrient, Se should be supplied in controlled amounts to avoid harmful effects. Therefore, taking into account the importance of the soils as a way to ensure the adequate Se supply for the population, this review has dealt with Se behavior in soil environment (e.g., Se forms and adsorption and desorption reactions) and its relevance for the human health. As a final message, the further understanding of Se behavior in soils to predict its availability for crops in different systems will be a significant approach in future studies to establish forms and safe doses of Se to be added in fertilizers. Agronomic and genetic biofortification of staple crops with Se has been suggested as an important tool to improve Se intake by population in Se-poor sites.

RESUMO O selênio (Se) é um elemento importante que foi descoberto em 1817 e reconhecido como elemento essencial para os humanos e animais desde os anos 60. Esse elemento apresenta, dentre outras funções, papel relevante no sistema antioxidante dos mamíferos. Níveis inadequados de Se no corpo humano tem sido uma preocupação bem conhecida em muitas regiões do mundo. Esse problema de desnutrição com Se ocorre frequentemente devido a dietas pobres nesse elemento, o que provavelmente tem relação com a baixa disponibilidade de Se nos solos onde as culturas agrícolas estão sendo cultivadas. Atualmente, sabe-se que, além da quantidade de Se contida nos alimentos, sua forma (e.g., inorgânica ou orgânica) é importante para a nutrição humana. Apesar da deficiência de Se ser um problema em alguns locais, algumas regiões do mundo apresentam níveis altos de Se nos solos, causando várias desordens e doenças nas pessoas que moram nestas áreas consideradas seleníferas. Sendo um elemento essencial, o Se deve ser suprido em quantidades adequadas para evitar efeitos prejudiciais. Assim, levando-se em consideração a importância dos solos como um meio para garantir o suprimento adequado de Se para a população, esta revisão tem abordado o comportamento do Se no ambiente do solo (e.g., formas de Se e reações de adsorção e dessorção) e sua relevância para a saúde humana. Como mensagem final, a compreensão do comportamento de Se em solos visando prever sua disponibilidade para as culturas agrícolas em diferentes sistemas será uma abordagem significativa em estudos futuros para estabelecer formas e doses seguras de Se para serem adicionadas em fertilizantes. A biofortificação agronômica, aliada a biofortificação genética, de culturas básicas com Se tem sido sugerida como importante ferramenta para melhorar a ingestão de Se pela população que vive em locais onde os solos são pobres em Se.

Desenvolvimento de pão de forma enriquecido com batata-doce biofortificada / Development loaf of bread enriched with biofortified sweet potato

Objetivo do trabalho foi desenvolver pão de forma adicionado de polpa de batata-doce, cultivar Beauregard, e avaliar sensorialmente o produto, verificando a sua aceitação entre os consumidores. Foram desenvolvidas três formulações com substituição da farinha de trigo pela batata-doce cozida nas porcentagens de 20%, 40% e 60% e comparadas com o padrão, sem substituição. A avaliação sensorial foi feita por 32 provadores, não treinados, utilizando-se escala hedônica para os atributos de sabor, cor, textura, aroma e aceitação global. Os pães de forma elaborados com a batata-doce não apresentaram diferença estatística na análise sensorial para os atributos avaliados. Os pães obtiveram notas relevantes, com boa aceitação entre os consumidores. Em relação ao sabor, as melhores notas foram dadas para a amostra com 20% de substituição de farinha de trigo por batata-doce, comparada com a amostra, sem substituição de farinha de trigo. O aroma dos pães foi destaque também nas amostras com maior porcentagem de substituição, 60% e 40%. Para os demais atributos não houve diferença significativa em relação à amostra padrão, com 100% de farinha de trigo, o que permitiu concluir que a adição de batata-doce com polpa laranja na formulação de pão de forma pode ser considerada uma opção saudável de consumo de alimento biofortificado para combater a "fome oculta", que é a carência dos micronutrientes vitamina A, ferro e zinco, essenciais para a saúde.

The objective was to develop a loaf of bread with sweet potato pulp, Beauregard, evaluate the product by sensory analysis and verify their acceptance among consumers. Three formulations were developed to replace the wheat flour for sweet potatoes baked in percentages of 20%, 40% and 60%, compared with the standard, without replacement. The sensory evaluation was performed by 32 panelists, untrained, using hedonic scale for the attributes of flavor, color, texture, aroma and global acceptance. The loaf of breads elaborate with sweet potato showed no statistical difference in sensory analysis for the evaluated attributes. The breads obtained relevant notes, with good acceptance among consumers. Regarding the taste, the best grades were given for the sample with 20% wheat flour substitute for sweet potatoes, compared with the sample without wheat flour replacement. The aroma of bread was also featured in the samples with the highest percentage of replacement, 60% and 40%. For other attributes there was no significant difference from the standard sample, 100% wheat flour, which showed that the addition of sweet potatoes with orange pulp in the form of bread formulation can be considered a healthy option consumption biofortified of food to fight "hidden hunger", which is the lack of micronutrients vitamin A, iron and zinc, essential for health.

Modelling protection behaviour towards micronutrient deficiencies: Case of iodine biofortified vegetable legumes as health intervention for school-going children

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Despite successes recorded in combating iodine deficiency, more than 2 billion people are still at risk of iodine deficiency disorders. Rural landlocked and mountainous areas of developing countries are the hardest hit, hence the need to explore and advance novel strategies such as biofortification. SUBJECTS/METHODS: We evaluated adoption, purchase, and consumption of iodine biofortified vegetable legumes (IBVL) using the theory of protection motivations (PMT) integrated with an economic valuation technique. A total of 1,200 participants from three land-locked locations in East Africa were recruited via multi-stage cluster sampling, and data were collected using two, slightly distinct, questionnaires incorporating PMT constructs. The survey also elicited preferences for iodine biofortified foods when offered at a premium or discount. Determinants of protection motivations and preferences for iodine biofortified foods were assessed using path analysis modelling and two-limit Tobit regression, respectively. RESULTS: Knowledge of iodine, iodine-health link, salt iodization, and biofortification was very low, albeit lower at the household level. Iodine and biofortification were not recognized as nutrient and novel approaches, respectively. On the other hand, severity, fear, occupation, knowledge, iodine status, household composition, and self-efficacy predicted the intention to consume biofortified foods at the household level; only vulnerability, self-efficacy, and location were the most crucial elements at the school level. In addition, results demonstrated a positive willingness-to-pay a premium or acceptance of a lesser discount for biofortification. Furthermore, preference towards iodine biofortified foods was a function of protection motivations, severity, vulnerability, fear, response efficacy, response cost, knowledge, iodine status, gender, age. and household head. CONCLUSIONS: Results lend support for prevention of iodine deficiency in unprotected populations through biofortification; however 'threat' appraisal and socio-economic predictors are decisive in designing nutrition interventions and stimulating uptake of biofortification. In principle, the contribution is threefold: 1) Successful application of the integrated model to guide policy formulation; 2) Offer guidance to stakeholders to identify and tap niche markets; 3) stimulation of rural economic growth around school feeding programmes.

Foliar application of Zn at flowering stage improves plant’s performance, yield and yield attributes of black gram.

Black gram plants subjected to varying levels of Zn supply (0.01 to 10 µM Zn) showed optimum growth and dry matter yield in plants receiving 1 µM Zn. The dry matter yield of plants decreased in plants receiving 0.01 and 0.1 µM Zn (deficient) and excess levels of Zn (2 and 10 µM Zn). The plants grown with Zn deficient supply showed delayed flowering, premature bud abscission, reduced size of anthers, pollen producing capacity, pollen viability and stigma receptivity resulting in poor pod formation and seed yield. Providing Zn as a foliar spray at pre-flowering stage minimized the severity of Zn deficiency on reproductive structure development and enhanced the seed nutritional status by enhancing seed Zn density, seed carbohydrate (sugar and starch content) and storage proteins (albumins, globulins, glutenins, and prolamines).

Caracterización del consumo de maíz y fríjol en familias del departamento del Cauca, Colombia / Bean and maize consumption by families in Cauca, Colombia

Objetivo: caracterizar el consumo de maíz y fríjol en las familias de las madres comunitarias del Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar (ICBF), de los municipios del Cauca. Materiales y métodos: se encuestaron 400 madres comunitarias del ICBF sobre la alimentación en sus propias familias en 12 municipios del Cauca. Resultados: en 100% de las familias caucanas, se reportó un consumo frecuente de maíz y fríjol. El consumo promedio mensual ± DE en kg fue para el maíz blanco 6,5+7,6, el maíz amarillo 5,1+7,0, el fríjol rojo 1,7+1,6, el fríjol blanco 1,1±1,1, el fríjol moteado calima 1,5±1,1, el fríjol moteado cargamanto 1,3±0,7, el fríjol verde 1,4±1,2 y el fríjol de otros tipos 0,8±0,4. Conclusión: el consumo reportado por las familias caucanas muestra que el maíz y el fríjol común hacen parte de su gastronomía. La introducción de cultivos con mayores nutrientes (biofortificados) se facilitaría mediante acciones de educación nutricional, con el fin de incentivar su producción y consumo.

Objective: characterization of maize and bean consumption by families where mothers work with ICBF’s communities in Cauca-Colombia. Materials and methods: mothers (n=400) working with ICBF’s communities in 12 farming municipalities were surveyed about their family’s feeding practices. Results: 100% of mothers interviewed reported frequent consumption of maize and beans. Average ± SD intake kg/ month for white beans was (6,5±7,6), yellow maize (5,1±7,0), red beans(1,7±1,6) white beans (1,1±1,1), mottled calima beans (1,5±1,1), mottled cargamanto (1,3±0,7), green beans (1,4±1,2), and for other kind of beans (0,8±0,4). Conclusion: maize and beans are main components of these communities’ food patterns. Nutrition education activities could help to promote consumption of nutritionally enhanced (biofortified) crops.

Genetically modffied food crops and public health / Cultivos alimenticios genéticamente modificados y salud pública

The progress made in plant biotechnology has provided an opportunity to new food crops being developed having desirable traits for improving crop yield, reducing the use of agrochemicals and adding nutritional properties to staple crops. However, genetically modified (GM) crops have become a subject of intense debate in which opponents argue that GM crops represent a threat to individual freedom, the environment, public health and traditional economies. Despite the advances in food crop agriculture, the current world situation is still characterised by massive hunger and chronic malnutrition, representing a major public health problem. Biofortified GM crops have been considered an important and complementary strategy for delivering naturally-fortified staple foods to malnourished populations. Expert advice and public concern have led to designing strategies for assessing the potential risks involved in cultivating and consuming GM crops. The present critical review was aimed at expressing some conflicting points of view about the potential risks of GM crops for public health. It was concluded that GM food crops are no more risky than those genetically modified by conventional methods and that these GM crops might contribute towards reducing the amount of malnourished people around the world. However, all this needs to be complemented by effective political action aimed at increasing the income of people living below the poverty-line.

El progreso de la biotecnología de plantas ha hecho posible ofrecer una oportunidad para desarrollar nuevos cultivos alimenticios con características deseables para el mejoramiento de la producción, la reducción del uso de agroquímicos y la incorporación de propiedades nutricionales en cultivos básicos. No obstante, los cultivos GM se han convertido en un objeto de intenso debate, en el cual los opositores argumentan que los cultivos GM representan una amenaza para la libertad individual, el medio ambiente, la salud pública y las economías tradicionales. A pesar de los avances en la agricultura de los cultivos alimenticios, la situación actual a nivel mundial está caracterizada por una hambruna masiva y por una desnutrición crónica, lo cual constituye un importante problema de salud pública. Los cultivos GM biofortificados se han considerado como una estrategia importante y complementaria para suministrar alimentos básicos naturalmente fortificados a las poblaciones con desnutrición. Las recomendaciones de los expertos y las preocupaciones públicas han conducido al diseño de estrategias para la evaluación de los riesgos potenciales de la producción y el consumo de los cultivos GM. El objetivo de la presente revisión crítica es la exposición de algunos puntos de vista en conflicto sobre los riesgos potenciales de los cultivos GM para la salud pública. Se concluye que los cultivos alimenticios GM no son más riesgosos que aquellos modificados genéticamente con los métodos convencionales, y que estos cultivos GM podrían contribuir a la reducción de la población con desnutrición en el mundo, pero se necesita que esto sea complementado con acciones políticas efectivas dirigidas a incrementar los ingresos de la población que vive por debajo de la línea de pobreza.