Perspective, Regulations and Concerns Related to Transgenic Plants

Since 1990s transgenic foods are available in the market and food basket. Soybean, corn, cotton and canola has been the most important transgenic crops developed for resistance to herbicides and plant pests. Increased cultivation of transgenic plants from 148 million hectares (m ha) in 2010 to 160 m ha in 2011 shows the importance of attention to issues surrounded these products. Although development of different traits has been facilitated using transformation methods, acceptance of these plants has faced oppositions and/or agreements in different countries. The side effects of transgenic materials on organisms and environment is the biggest concern claimed by opponents. The concerns about safety of transgenic foods have resulted in establishment of regulations about different aspects of these materials. The future of transgenic plants is considerably influenced by the required regulations for their growing and processing. It seems that advances in transgenic technology and related sciences decrease the concerns about transgenic products and establishment of international regulations has improved their release and marketing acceptability in different societies.