Biology question that i need help with for a test.?

Question

Briefly describe how scientific research has contributed to the efforts to increase world food production.

Answer 1

pesticides - but that increased quantity not necessarily quality and of course had it's negative side effects.

genetic modification of seeds -

irrigation systems

Answer 2

identification and production of fertilizers, including organic and synthetically derived chemicals

development of farming practices that don't deplete soils, like crop rotation and erosion prevention

development and use of pesticides and herbicides

genetic engineering through both selective breeding and molecular biology to produce crops that are resistant to disease, temperature extremes, drought, insects, etc.

advances in alternative agriculture like hydroponics has allowed increased food production in arid regions

Answer 3

Selective breeding of plants has led to strains which respond well to irrigation and artificial fertilizers.  Inbreeding of these has led to "monoculture" crops, for which the whole field will mature to the same height and be ready for harvest at the same time, allowing for efficient harvesting via machine.  These advances have increased the edible crop yield per unit time per acre, and give generally dependable results.

Scientific research has also improved pesticides and fungicides.

Last, we now have genetically modified crop plants that are resistant to the herbicide Roundup.  Roundup can be sprayed around these crops to kill weeds, without killing the crop plants.