But, genetic biotechnology is not just limited to creating more and better crops that can increase a farmer's income and help feed a growing world population. Biotechnology can also be used to prevent weeds from taking over crop fields, which can also help to increase a farmer's income and feed a growing population. In one study done by David P. Horvath and Prudence A. Olson on leafy spurge, a particularly noxious weed, plants were examined with the intent to make it less of a problem. The two scientists knew that leafy spurge was a perennial weed capable of becoming accustomed to subfreezing temperatures. Because of these characteristics, leafy spurge is able to easily infest millions of acres of land in areas where cold weather is a phenomenon through some or most of the year.
Leafy spurge is a particular problem in such areas as the northern United States and Canada.
Using current biotechnology, Horvath and Olson were able to create three different types of leafy spurge. The two scientists carefully observed the different types of leafy spurge until they discovered that one particular strain was not as good at resisting the cold weather. After close investigation of this plant, the two scientists discovered several gene possibilities that could hold the trait for surviving such subfreezing temperatures. With some more experimentation, these scientists or others may be able to pinpoint the exact gene that gives cold resistance to leafy spurge. If the scientists are able to locate this gene, then they could set about breeding this gene, and leafy spurge s ability to withstand cold, out of the genetic pool of the weed.