South Africa is a global leader in agricultural biotechnology, using biotech crops to boost productivity, profitability, and sustainability. Kerry Rowlands from Pannar Seed explains how these genetically engineered plants are helping farmers combat climate challenges, increase yields, and secure the future of farming.
Biotechnology is transforming agriculture worldwide, and South Africa is no exception. Despite facing years of climate challenges since 2014, the country has emerged as a global leader, ranking eighth in biotech crop production with adoption rates of 87% for maize, 95% for soybean, and 100% for cotton.
According to Kerry Rowlands, field agronomist at Pannar Seed, the advantages of biotech crops extend across productivity, sustainability, and profitability. To fully appreciate these benefits, it’s important to understand what biotech crops are and how they are developed.
Biotech crops – also known as genetically engineered (GE) or genetically modified (GM) crops – are plants whose DNA has been altered using modern biotechnology to express specific traits.
This scientific process allows characteristics such as insect resistance or herbicide tolerance to be introduced directly into the plant, making breeding far more targeted than traditional methods.
“Unlike conventional breeding, which mixes multiple genes at once, biotechnology enables us to add just the gene responsible for the desired trait. This precision makes the process far more efficient and reliable,” explains Rowlands.
From gene to crop
The journey of creating a biotech crop begins with identifying a useful trait, such as insect resistance or herbicide tolerance. Scientists then isolate the gene responsible, often from another plant or bacterium, and insert it into the crop’s DNA using advanced genetic engineering tools.
“These crops are then grown in laboratories and tested in greenhouses and field trials. Only those that consistently express the desired trait are considered for commercial release,” Kerry notes.
Alongside traditional genetic modification, gene editing has emerged as a newer breeding technique. Rather than inserting new genes, it acts like molecular scissors, precisely cutting and modifying DNA sequences already present in the plant.
This approach enables highly targeted improvements in crops, animals, and even bacteria.
Regardless of the method used, biotech crops undergo some of the most rigorous testing in agriculture. Multiple layers of assessments – spanning laboratory, greenhouse, and field trials – ensure their safety and reliability.
Regulatory authorities in South Africa and abroad evaluate these crops for food safety, environmental impact, and animal health. Only once they pass these stringent checks are they approved for farmers.
“Globally, health authorities, scientific experts, and governments have consistently found no evidence of harm from approved biotech crops. In South Africa, every biotech crop must meet strict safety standards before it can be grown or sold,” Kerry emphasises.
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Productivity, sustainability, and profitability
The benefits of biotech crops extend well beyond the field. They protect yields by reducing pest and weed losses, while insect-resistant varieties require fewer chemical sprays, cutting costs for farmers and reducing the environmental footprint of production.
Studies confirm that the combination of higher yields and reduced inputs often translates into stronger profits. At the same time, producing more food on the same land contributes to food security and helps protect biodiversity.
In South Africa, the most common biotech traits are insect resistance, herbicide tolerance, and stacked traits (which combine both).
For example, maize, soybean, and cotton varieties contain Bt genes from Bacillus thuringiensis, enabling them to produce proteins toxic to pests like maize stalk borers and cotton bollworms.
Herbicide-tolerant crops, meanwhile, allow weeds to be controlled without damaging the crop itself, and stacked traits offer farmers broader protection in a single package.
Stewardship: ensuring long-term effectiveness
Despite South Africa’s success – ranking eighth globally for biotech crop production – continued effectiveness depends on proper stewardship.
Farmers purchasing herbicide-tolerant crops must sign a technology use agreement (TUA), rotate herbicides with different modes of action, practise integrated weed management, follow label instructions carefully, and monitor their fields regularly for resistance.
For insect-resistant crops, stewardship goes a step further. In addition to signing the TUA, farmers must plant a refuge – an area of the field with non-Bt crops – to slow down the development of pest resistance.
Regular field scouting, integrated pest management, and timely reporting of issues to seed suppliers are all critical parts of this responsibility.
Looking ahead
While biotech crops offer substantial benefits, challenges remain. Over-reliance on a single control measure can encourage resistance in pests or weeds, underscoring the importance of stewardship.
Market access is another factor, as some export destinations restrict biotech crops, requiring careful planning from farmers and industry players alike.
“The future is very promising. New biotech traits are being developed for drought tolerance, improved nutrition, and resistance to additional pests and diseases.
“As technology advances and stewardship practices are followed, biotech crops will continue helping South African farmers increase productivity, sustainability, and profitability.”
Biotech crops represent a powerful tool in modern agriculture. With careful management, responsible use, and continuous innovation, they have the potential to secure the future of farming in South Africa, balancing productivity, environmental care, and economic growth.
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