STATUS OF AQUATIC AND TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS INTEGRITY ON THE EMERGENCE OF AGRI-BIOTECH APPLICATIONS

The major application of biotechnology in agriculture is genetic modification, often refers to gene technology. The result of gene technology in agriculture has been the emergence of numerous Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). GMOs are products of gene technology in which organisms (except for human beings) have their genetic material altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination. Even though, the application of gene technology to plants and animals has made it possible to achieve various goals more quickly than by traditional selection, its eventual effects on the environment is still a major debate. Indeed, dilemmas still exists concerning the eventual environmental positive verses environmental negative effects of production of genetically modified food. This paper therefore highlights some of the impacts of emerging agri-biotech practices on the integrity of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The benefits include solutions to ozone layer depletion, reduced soil erosion, reduced pollution and emergence of hardy crops that can survive in extreme environmental conditions. However, some detrimental effects are associated with the GMO technology. These include introduction of toxic substances, uncontrolled pollination, emergence of notorious weeds and reducing biodiversity. Therefore, it is recommended that the integrity of the environment has to be given higher consideration while making choices on the type and level of GMO applications within any area.