06-30-2010, 11:16 PM
Modern biotechnology is often equated with genetic engineering or recombinant DNA technology, which began in the 1970s. This technology has been found by plant breeders to be a very precise tool in crop improvement. It has helped in breeding for higher yields, resistance to pests and diseases, tolerance to both biotic and abiotic stresses, improved nutritional quality, and improved processing, storage and post-harvest qualities.