An overall viewpoint of 30 years of genetically modified crops on the South American perspective

Abstract

Unjustified concerns about the safeness of genetically modified crops (GMCs) have delayed both biotechnological research and the generation of genetically improved varieties more suitable to cope with the recent challenges for food production. A rising worldwide population demands more food and natural resources to satisfy its’ needs, and at the rate things are happening it is obvious that agriculture will not be able to handle the constant abiotic and biotic threats that accompany crop production. Thirty years ago the first plant genetic modifications set out the basis of a new scientific branch that offers multiple options to cope with the threats against agriculture. Following the first GMCs in the beginning of 1980s, the acreage of GMCs worldwide increased constantly, improving yield production, reducing environmental pollution caused by agrochemicals and increasing the income of the countries that produce GMCs. More than a half of South American countries produce GMCs with few varieties generated by huge companies and almost with the same traits, therefore, it is necessary to develop new regional strategies to deal with specific problems of the South American agriculture considering the local crops and varieties. This review intends to provide a brief description of the first approaches of GMCs around the world and the current status of GMCs in South America (S. Am).