Gene editing, also called genome editing, is making it easier for researchers to help plants adapt to local environments and provide better nutrition. These are useful advantages, particularly in developing countries such as Africa where it is helpful to adapt indigenous plants so that they can contribute to the food supply. Gene editing technology can be applied to most crops and targeted to desired characteristics. For example, gene editing was used to develop a higher yield sweet potato with increased beta carotene content.  Genome editing can involve deleting, silencing, or inserting desired genes, so it has vast potential.  It is also relatively inexpensive compared to other plant breeding technologies.

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Picture Credit Susanne Kuehne

Posted on 17 March 2022