Genetic Modification of Tropical Root and Tuber Crops: Prospects and Perspectives

Root and tuber crops are the second major edible energy sources, providing nutritional security to resource-poor populations in developing countries, especially Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The breeding barriers in genetic improvement of root and tuber crops can be overcome by targeted gene transfer or genetic modification technologies. However, the potential of genetic modification for enhancing the desirable traits in root and tuber crops is not fully explored. The chapter outlines the major problems in the cultivation, breeding, and nutritional aspects of selected tropical root and tuber crops, the advantages of using genetic modification technologies, and how they can complement traditional crop improvement programs in tropical root and tuber crops. The principles and methods of genetic modification, current status or applications, and the prospects of transgenics in these crops are briefly outlined. The guidelines governing genetic modification technologies, challenges, and the biosafety issues related to the release of transgenics are also discussed.