Gene Stacking

Gene stacking is a term that is used in the context of genetically engineered crops, but is not a new idea in plant breeding. Plant breeders are always stacking genes by making crosses between parents that each have a desired trait and then identifying offspring that have both of these desired traits. This is the quickest and easiest way to stack genes. The figure at the right shows how crossing could be performed to stack the Roundup Ready and Bt traits in corn.

It would also be possible to stack transgenes in a variety or hybrid by transferring them all into the plant cell in the same event during transformation. Some genetically engineered crops will be derived from this method. However, limitations in the size of genes inserted into a chromosome location may reduce the feasibility of stacking genes in this way.

As our knowledge of the chromosome increases, it may be possible to engineer chromosomes to contain the desired new genes for a crop. For now, the most effective way to stack genes is to perform selected crosses between parents that possess the desired individual genes and identify progeny with the desired combination of traits.

The effect of the transgenes on the overall metabolism of the plant will probably be the major limitation to how many genes and what combinations of genes we can stack into a crop plant. Right now we are only asking the plant to make a few copies of one or two additional proteins. If the transgenes are designed to change protein synthesis and metabolism more dramatically, it is likely that the productivity of the plant will be compromised and yield drag will result. The loss of yield will need to be offset by cost savings in production or extra value for the grain.