The genes controlling the resistance can be isolated and inserted into other plants which have not evolved such protection. Genes from viruses, bacteria and plants can produce compounds that are effective against fungi and provide an alternative to chemical treatment. Nine million acres of land in the US have been planted with Bt cotton. Genes which offer resistance to viruses can be extracted from plants, yeasts, animals and from viruses themselves. When inserted into plants, they confer resistance to virus infection.
Bakers prefer their bread to have a light, sponge-like texture.
Grain crops in the UK do not generally produce flour with the best gluten for bread making. Natural-born killers, but slow Pests which attack our crops have diseases of their own. Some can be killed by specific viruses called baculoviruses . But the viruses take time to kill the pest insect, so that serious damage occurs before the control measures take effect. Viruses can be modified by inserting a gene from another organism which makes the virus produce a fast-acting toxin.