According to Agritech Tomorrow, a growing population and demand for food means farmers will need to scale up crop production by at least 23% to maintain our current standard of living. So crop loss from pests is a major problem as the world population grows.

In recent years, genetically modified food has received some criticism, with studies suggesting that it may be linked to allergic reactions or include harmful toxins that can expose people to health risks. Another issue is that G.M. food production can disrupt natural biodiversity or release toxins into the soil.

Fortunately, there is hope on the horizon. Agricultural geneticists can apply minichromosome technology to improve plant traits without altering the genes in any way. Because minichromosomes contain small amounts of genetic material, it is possible to use this technology to make plants more drought-tolerant or pest-resistant without interfering with the natural development of the host.

In short, minichromosome technology allows genetic engineers to create crops that require fewer pesticides, fungicides, and fertilizers, reducing reliance on harmful chemicals. It also allows them to achieve biofortification and improve the nutritional content of the plant.

Laser scarecrows

Pesky birds or rodents can be a threat to growing crops in an open field. In the past, farmers relied on traditional scarecrows to ward off hungry invaders. But today, farmers are turning to high-tech devices with motion sensors to keep birds from robbing crops.

After discovering that birds are sensitive to the color green, a University of Rhode Island researcher helped design a laser scarecrow that emits green laser light. The light is invisible to humans in sunlight, but can be shot 200 meters across a field to startle birds before they destroy crops.

Early tests with laser scarecrows have found that the devices can minimize crop damage by reducing the presence of birds around farmland by up to 90%.