Transgenic plants are those plants, which carry additional, stably integrated and expressed, foreign gene(s) from transpecies. The whole process involving introduction, integration and expression of foreign gene(s) in the host, is called genetic transformation. The combined use of recombinant DNA technology, gene transfer methods and tissue culture techniques has led to the efficient transformation and production of transgenic, in a wide variety of crop plants.

Unlike conventional breeding, only the cloned gene(s) of agronomic importance is being introduced without the co transfer of other undesirable gene from the donor. The recipient genotype is least disturbed and there is no need for repeated back crosses. This will serve as an effective’ means of removing certain specific defect of otherwise well adopted cultivars.