Abu Bakar Umi K, Pillai Vilasini, Hashim Marzukhi, Daud Hassan Mat
Biotechnology Research Centre, Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Food Nutr Bull. 2005 Dec;26(4):432-5.
Biotechnology-derived food crops are currently being developed in Malaysia mainly for disease resistance and improved post harvest quality. The modern biotechnology approach is adopted because of its potential to overcome constraints faced by conventional breeding techniques. Research on the development of biotechnology-derived papaya, pineapple, chili, passion fruit, and citrus is currently under way. Biotechnology-derived papaya developed for resistance to papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) and improved postharvest qualities is at the field evaluation stage. Pineapple developed for resistance to fruit black heart disorder is also being evaluated for proof-of-concept. Other biotechnology-derived food crops are at early stages of gene cloning and transformation. Activities and products involving biotechnology-derived crops will be fully regulated in the near future under the Malaysian Biosafety Law. At present they are governed only by guidelines formulated by the Genetic Modification Advisory Committee (GMAC), Malaysia. Commercialization of biotechnology-derived crops involves steps that require GMAC approval for all field evaluations and food-safety assessments before the products are placed on the market. Public acceptance of the biotechnology product is another important factor for successful commercialization. Understanding of biotechnology is generally low among Malaysians, which may lead to low acceptance of biotechnology-derived products. Initiatives are being taken by local organizations to improve public awareness and acceptance of biotechnology. Future research on plant biotechnology will focus on the development of nutritionally enhanced biotechnology-derived food crops that can provide more benefits to consumers.
目前马来西亚正在研发源自生物技术的粮食作物，主要目的是增强抗病能力并改善收获后的品质。之所以采用现代生物技术方法，是因为它有潜力克服传统育种技术面临的限制。目前正在开展关于源自生物技术的木瓜、菠萝、辣椒、西番莲和柑橘的研发研究。为抵抗木瓜环斑病毒（PRSV）并改善采后品质而培育的源自生物技术的木瓜正处于田间评估阶段。为抵抗果实黑心症而培育的菠萝也正在进行概念验证评估。其他源自生物技术的粮食作物正处于基因克隆和转化的早期阶段。根据马来西亚《生物安全法》，涉及源自生物技术作物的活动和产品将在不久后得到全面监管。目前，它们仅受马来西亚基因改造咨询委员会（GMAC）制定的指导方针约束。源自生物技术作物的商业化涉及多个步骤，在产品上市前，所有田间评估和食品安全评估都需要得到GMAC的批准。公众对生物技术产品的接受度是成功实现商业化的另一个重要因素。马来西亚人对生物技术的了解普遍较少，这可能导致对源自生物技术产品的接受度较低。当地组织正在采取举措提高公众对生物技术的认识和接受度。未来植物生物技术研究将专注于开发营养强化的源自生物技术的粮食作物，为消费者带来更多益处。
