In genetic engineering, what are the genes of interest typically aimed to improve?

In genetic engineering, the primary focus is often on enhancing production efficiency and nutritional value in crops. This involves modifying genes to enable plants to grow more effectively under various conditions, such as stress from pests, diseases, or adverse environmental factors. Increasing production efficiency can lead to higher yields, which is critical for food security, especially in regions facing population growth and limited arable land.

Additionally, improving the nutritional value of crops addresses dietary deficiencies and contributes to human health. For instance, biofortified crops that have increased vitamins or minerals can help mitigate malnutrition in vulnerable populations.

While enhancing aesthetic qualities of crops may have some relevance in ornamental horticulture, it does not usually fall under the primary objectives of genetic engineering in agriculture aimed at addressing food production challenges. Similarly, while weed resistance is an important trait being developed in biotech plants, it is seen as a subset of broader goals regarding production efficiency and overall crop health rather than a standalone focus. Soil composition changes are usually not direct objectives of genetic engineering; rather, they may be affected indirectly by how well engineered crops perform in their environments.