Abstract
The advent of transgenic technology has revolutionized agriculture by enabling precise genetic modification to improve crop traits such as pest resistance, herbicide tolerance, and environmental stress resilience. Central to the success of genetically modified (GM) crops is the development of efficient and reliable methods for gene transfer. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the principal techniques used in the creation of transgenic plants, including Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, particle bombardment, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, electroporation, microinjection, and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-mediated transformation. Among these, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation remains the most widely used for dicotyledonous plants due to its high precision and integration efficiency. Particle bombardment, or gene gun technology, is preferred for monocots and recalcitrant species. The advent of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing has further revolutionized crop biotechnology by enabling site-specific genome modifications with greater accuracy and fewer off-target effects. Alternative methods such as electroporation and PEG-mediated transformation are useful in protoplast systems, particularly in experimental research. Although microinjection offers highly targeted delivery of DNA, its technical complexity limits its practical use. Each method comes with its unique advantages, limitations, and applicability, depending on the crop species and intended genetic modification. This review discusses the mechanism, applications, benefits, and challenges associated with each technique, highlighting how these technologies contribute to sustainable agriculture, food security, and crop improvement. As transgenic crop development continues to evolve, the integration of novel technologies with conventional approaches promises enhanced precision, efficiency, and broader adoption in global agricultural systems.