The profession that combines both DNA Technology and agriculture to enhance efficient plant growth and resistance to pests and diseases is called Agritech (Agricultural biotechnology). It involves the use of scientific tools and methods to genetically modify plant cells. It led to a revolution in the field of agricultural science during the 20th century. It also led to a tremendous increase in food production and protection of plants from pests, microorganisms, etc. Here, let’s know Which career combines DNA Technology and Agriculture?
What is Agricultural Biotechnology?
It is a field of agricultural science that includes both DNA Technology and Agriculture to cultivate and promote genetically modified and efficient plant yields that are resistant to both biotic and abiotic stress factors to plants.
Applications of Agricultural Biotechnology
- With the advancement of Agritech, scientists develop genotypes that are resistant to heat stress. Heat Stress (due to global warming) is responsible widely for the decline in crop yield. To overcome global issues like heat stress of declining crop yield, agricultural biotech proves to be a boon.
- With the applications of Agritech, genotypes for pest resistance are developed in plants to prevent them from disease-causing agents, thus improving the crop yield.
For Example, Agritech can be used to prevent rust and smut in wheat crops by the insertion of pest resistance genotypes in the seeds.
- Agritech can be used in the synthesis of organic compounds which are naturally present in living organisms. With the artificial synthesis of organic compounds, scientists can develop specific crop yield and production of growth-improving chemicals, enzymes, nutrients, or hormones to enhance the reproductive growth of plants.
- Agritech enhanced farmers in identifying the best crop seeds and animals for efficient and selective breeding.
- Agritech includes the generation of ornamental plants like orchids and also plants that can act as biofuels.
What is the science behind Agricultural Biotechnology?
Plant cells are different to work with as compared to animal cells. The primary method for inserting genes is from the plasmids of the bacterium, Agrobacterium Tumefaciens. This bacterium invades plant cells and its plasmid carries the tumor-inducing cells. The plasmid is inserted into plant cells after scientists remove the tumor-inducing genes, thus offering no harm to plants.
The genetically modified cells are then grown in tissue culture where they are developed into plants. These genetically modified plants produce seeds that inherit the new DNA.
The genetic makeup encoded in the DNA of plant cells defines the characteristic of plants. Scientists modify this DNA to extract the desirable yield. One way is to extract a strand from one organism and insert it into a different organism. Agricultural Bioscientists selectively insert genes into plants, thus genetically modify plants and crops.
Careers available in Agricultural Biotechnology
- Bioinformatics scientist
- Marine Biologist
- Microbiologist
- Molecular Biologist
- Nematologist
- Plant biologist
- Plant Geneticist
- Plant Pathologist
- Zoologist
- Bioinformatics Scientist
Their average salary is $95,994 (US). These scientists use biotechnology and computer science to study and find solutions to the problems in Biology. They extract databases of genetic information to identify and treat animals and plants diseases as well as other issues. They are generally employed by the pharmaceutical issues.
- Marine Biologist
The average salary of a marine biologist is $51,580 (US). The Marine Biologist uses methods of artificial cultivation of marine plants and animals. The products obtained after growing, managing, and harvesting artificially cultured marine plants and animals are then used for human consumption. Marine culture is beneficial in the production of food, medicines, plants that are then available in markets for consumption.
Marine Biologists perform pharmaceutical research to produce products from marine life for treatment purposes.
- Microbiologist
The average salary of an Agritech microbiologist is $52,326 (US). The job categories for agricultural microbiologist includes- Food safety microbiologist, Environmental microbiologist, Industrial Microbiologist, Research microbiologist, QC microbiologist, international microbiologist, Food microbiologist, etc.
- Molecular Biologist
The average salary of a molecular biologist is $60,057. A molecular Biologist studies the molecular basis of biological activities. The molecular biologist makes use of DNA technologies in agriculture to promote efficient crop yield, maintaining the efficiency of crop breeding programs, protecting the environment and plants from harmful chemicals, and improving the quality of agricultural products.
Job titles included in this field are
- Research Agronomist
- Research Associate
- Hybrid Wheat Breeding Project Lead
- Regulatory Scientist
- Nematologist
The average salary of a nematologist is $69,854 (US).
A nematologist is a specialist who studies nematodes and their interaction with plants. Nematodes are roundworms that cause diseases by attacking soil, water, or insects.
Job roles of a Nematologist as an agritech scientist-
- Using methods and techniques to secure soil samples containing nematodes, and then isolating, mounting, counting, and identifying the specimen of nematodes.
- Develop pest management strategies like soil fumigation, using hot water, chemicals, and cultural practices.
- Overseeing lab technicians and interns associated with the research
- Identifying and extracting nematode-resistant genes that can be incorporated into plants for better and secure yield.
- Plant Biologist
The average salary of a plant Biologist is $ 70,000. A plant biologist specializes in plant biology and genetics intending to develop and produce better plant yield.
Job titles in plant biology include-
- Entomologist
- Soil scientist
- Crop consultant
- Horticulture
- Ecological Consultant
- Plant Geneticist
The average salary of a plant geneticist is $78,833 (US) per year.
A plant geneticist is concerned with researching to produce and improve new varieties of plants and crops. They work at the DNA of plants to analyze plant variety and works to improve the shape, size, production level, pest resistance to improve the overall production of crops and plants.
Their job roles include-
- Cross-breed plants for trials and to produce seed bank
- Identify various genes with some specifications and features
- Maintain and evaluate research plans and motives
- Create budgets for new projects and seek funds
- Genetically engineered specific plants for healthier, pest resistant, and high yielding crops.
- Plant Pathologist
The average salary of a plant pathologist is $81,730 (US) per year.
A plant pathologist studies diseases that occurred in plants and look at various measures to prevent them. The aim is to produce healthier and higher-yielding crops. Plant diseases are caused by pathogens like bacteria, fungi, protozoa, viruses, nematodes, phytoplasmas, as well as non-living factors like air pollution, water pollution, and nutrients imbalance.
Plant Pathologists work in-
- Agricultural consulting companies
- Agrichemical companies
- Biotechnology firms
- Tissue culture laboratories
- Seed and plant production companies
- Biological control companies
- Zoologist
The average salary of a zoologist is $72,815 (US) per year.
The zoologists contribute to the field of agriculture by developing pest-controlled techniques for efficient plant yield. They have sound knowledge of the reproductive cycle and life phases of various pests, thus enabling sound and safe storage of agricultural products for a longer duration.
Qualifications for an Agriculture Biotechnologist
Bachelors in Agricultural Biotechnology. Some courses under Agricultural Biotechnology includes-
- Biochemistry
- Bioinformatics
- Biometry
- Biotechnology
- Cell Biology
- General genetics
- Molecular genetics
- Plant Genomics
After a bachelor’s degree, some students directly land into jibs, while others opt for the master’s degree program and further Ph.D.
An agricultural Biotechnologist can opt for various job profiles-
- Agricultural Engineering
- Research
- Agrology
- Cellular Biology
- Plant Pathologist
- Medicine
- Entomology
- Farm consulting
- Forestry
- Environmental sciences
- Waste and compost management
- Horticulture
- Sales And Business
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is there any risk involved with agritech?
The risk involved with Agricultural Biotechnology is the same as with other traditional breeding programs. A 1987 report claimed that there is no hazard involved with the use of rDNA techniques or the transfer of genes between unrelated organisms. Thus, there is no potential risk involved.
- How safe are the crops produced from agricultural biotechnology when compared with the traditional methods of breeding?
Scientific evaluations globally have claimed that there is no potential risk involved with the crops produced from agritech. These crops aren’t ecologically deteriorating. Extensive field testing also proves that no risk is involved with these crops. They do not pose any environmental threat.
- Does the food produced by Agritech safer as compared with the traditional breeding methods?
Various prestigious health organizations like WHO, AMA, FAO, CAST, etc. have reported that crops and food products produced by agritech are as safe as produced by organic and traditional breeding programs. The foods are even proved safer as compared with conventional food.
- Is labeling required for foods produced from Agritech?
No. The food produced by biotech having the substantially same composition, the nutritional value needn’t require labeling. Only those foods having changes in nutritional values, safety or usage require labeling for consumer knowledge.
- What is better w.r.t job prospects- Agriculture or Biotech?
A degree in agriculture has limited opportunities. You need to go for higher studies to fetch a job. While a degree in biotech opens up a lot of avenues in private sectors after a bachelor’s. It all depends upon the interest level of the candidate.
Agricultural Biotechnology is an advanced and growing field. A lot of avenues are opened in the field. It uses specializations of both DNA technology and conventions of agriculture to produce pest-resistant and healthier crops with increased yield.
