Genetic engineering

Genetic Engineering (or genetic modification, GM) is the alteration of the genetic code (DNA) in plants and animals.

advantage

The metabolism can possibly optimized for the habitat:

better endurance for dark periods (e.g. dust storms, havaries, etc. )
ability to cope with dim sunlight (grow slow, but grow ...)
ability to cope with radiation

risk

Compared with legacy vegetables the new developed genetically engineered plants may not be stable in the long run. Genetic alteration will be necessary after a while, maybe unexpectedly. It should be used only if the settlers have the ability to do corrections. Same with computer software. If a software bug shows up in a vital system (e.g. Y2K), the settlers would want someone who can fix it. DNA is a kind of software.