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Bearth A, Otten CD, Cohen AS. Consumers' perceptions and acceptance of genome editing in agriculture: Insights from the United States of America and Switzerland. Food Res Int 2024; 178:113982. [PMID: 38309884 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2024.113982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
The terms "New Genomic Techniques" (NGTs) or "Genome Editing" refer to various methods that allow finding, cleaving, and repairing specific sequences in the genome. These techniques could contribute to managing various challenges in plant breeding and agriculture. Aside from regulatory uncertainties, the lack of consumer acceptance has frequently been cited as a significant barrier to the widespread use of NGTs in plant breeding and agriculture across the planet. This study was based on an anonymous online survey (N = 1202). It investigated what consumers from two countries that differ in gene technology regulation, namely the United States of America and Switzerland, thought about three specific applications of NGTs in plant breeding (i.e., blight-resistant potato, gluten-free wheat, cold-resistant soybean). The study highlights the importance of the affect heuristic for acceptance, as half of the participants in both countries expressed positive feelings regarding the three applications, a quarter of the participants expressed negative, and the remaining participants expressed torn or neutral emotions. Some evidence was provided that the regulatory context might have acted as a risk cue, as participants in Switzerland expressed more negative feelings, perceptions, and lower acceptance than participants from the United States of America. Lastly, our findings underscore the importance of a collaboration between the life sciences and social sciences in balancing technological innovations and public perceptions and acceptance, which have been shown in this study to be impacted by affect, values, and context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Bearth
- Consumer Behavior, Institute for Environmental Decisions, ETH Zurich, Switzerland.
| | | | - Alex Segrè Cohen
- Center for Science Communication Research, School of Journalism and Communication, University of Oregon, United States
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2
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Misra V, Mall AK, Pandey H, Srivastava S, Sharma A. Advancements and prospects of CRISPR/Cas9 technologies for abiotic and biotic stresses in sugar beet. Front Genet 2023; 14:1235855. [PMID: 38028586 PMCID: PMC10665535 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1235855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Sugar beet is a crop with high sucrose content, known for sugar production and recently being considered as an emerging raw material for bioethanol production. This crop is also utilized as cattle feed, mainly when animal green fodder is scarce. Bioethanol and hydrogen gas production from this crop is an essential source of clean energy. Environmental stresses (abiotic/biotic) severely affect the productivity of this crop. Over the past few decades, the molecular mechanisms of biotic and abiotic stress responses in sugar beet have been investigated using next-generation sequencing, gene editing/silencing, and over-expression approaches. This information can be efficiently utilized through CRISPR/Cas 9 technology to mitigate the effects of abiotic and biotic stresses in sugar beet cultivation. This review highlights the potential use of CRISPR/Cas 9 technology for abiotic and biotic stress management in sugar beet. Beet genes known to be involved in response to alkaline, cold, and heavy metal stresses can be precisely modified via CRISPR/Cas 9 technology for enhancing sugar beet's resilience to abiotic stresses with minimal off-target effects. Similarly, CRISPR/Cas 9 technology can help generate insect-resistant sugar beet varieties by targeting susceptibility-related genes, whereas incorporating Cry1Ab and Cry1C genes may provide defense against lepidopteron insects. Overall, CRISPR/Cas 9 technology may help enhance sugar beet's adaptability to challenging environments, ensuring sustainable, high-yield production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varucha Misra
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow, India
| | - A. K. Mall
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow, India
| | - Himanshu Pandey
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow, India
- Khalsa College, Amritsar, India
| | | | - Avinash Sharma
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Arunachal University of Studies, Namsai, India
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Kumar S, DePauw RM, Kumar S, Kumar J, Kumar S, Pandey MP. Breeding and adoption of biofortified crops and their nutritional impact on human health. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2023; 1520:5-19. [PMID: 36479674 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Micronutrient malnutrition has affected over two billion people worldwide and continues to be a health risk. A growing human population, poverty, and the prevalence of low dietary diversity are jointly responsible for malnutrition, particularly in developing nations. Inadequate bioavailability of key micronutrients, such as iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and vitamin A, can be improved through agronomic and/or genetic interventions. The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research prioritizes developing biofortified food crops that are rich in minerals and vitamins through the HarvestPlus initiative on biofortification. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of biofortified food crops along with evidence supporting their acceptability and adoption. Between 2004 and 2019, 242 biofortified varieties belonging to 11 major crops were released in 30 countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. These conventionally bred biofortified crops include Fe-enriched beans, pearl millet, and cowpea; Zn-enriched rice, wheat, and maize; both Fe- and Zn-enriched lentil and sorghum; and varieties with improved vitamin A in orange-fleshed sweet potato, maize, cassava, and banana/plantain. In addition to ongoing efforts, breeding innovations, such as speed breeding and CRISPR-based gene editing technologies, will be necessary for the next decade to reach two billion people with biofortified crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachin Kumar
- Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, India
| | - Ron M DePauw
- Advancing Wheat Technologies, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sudhir Kumar
- Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, India
| | - Jitendra Kumar
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Pulses Research (IIPR), Kanpur, India
| | - Sourabh Kumar
- Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, India
| | - Madhav P Pandey
- Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU), Rampur, Nepal
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Ewa WG, Agata T, Milica P, Anna B, Dennis E, Nick V, Godelieve G, Selim C, Naghmeh A, Tomasz T. Public perception of plant gene technologies worldwide in the light of food security. GM CROPS & FOOD 2022; 13:218-241. [PMID: 35996854 PMCID: PMC9415543 DOI: 10.1080/21645698.2022.2111946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Achieving global food security is becoming increasingly challenging and many stakeholders around the world are searching for new ways to reach this demanding goal. Here we demonstrate examples of genetically modified and genome edited plants introduced to the market in different world regions. Transgenic crops are regulated based on the characteristics of the product in many countries including the United States and Canada, while the European Union, India, China and others regulate process-based i.e. on how the product was made. We also present the public perception of state-of-the-art plant gene technologies in different regions of the world in the past 20 years. The results of literature analysis show that the public in Europe and North America is more familiar with the notion of genome editing and genetically modified organisms than the public in other world regions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tyczewska Agata
- Laboratory of Animal Model Organisms, Institute of Biorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | | | - Beniermann Anna
- Biology Education, Institute of Biology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Eriksson Dennis
- Department of Plant Breeding, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp, Sweden
- Department of Biotechnology, INN University, 2318 Hamar, Norway
| | - Vangheluwe Nick
- Euroseeds, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, (Technologiepark 71), Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Cetiner Selim
- The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Sabanci University, Turkey
| | - Abiri Naghmeh
- The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Sabanci University, Turkey
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Ahmad A, Munawar N, Khan Z, Qusmani AT, Khan SH, Jamil A, Ashraf S, Ghouri MZ, Aslam S, Mubarik MS, Munir A, Sultan Q, Abd-Elsalam KA, Qari SH. An Outlook on Global Regulatory Landscape for Genome-Edited Crops. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11753. [PMID: 34769204 PMCID: PMC8583973 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The revolutionary technology of CRISPR/Cas systems and their extraordinary potential to address fundamental questions in every field of biological sciences has led to their developers being awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize for Chemistry. In agriculture, CRISPR/Cas systems have accelerated the development of new crop varieties with improved traits-without the need for transgenes. However, the future of this technology depends on a clear and truly global regulatory framework being developed for these crops. Some CRISPR-edited crops are already on the market, and yet countries and regions are still divided over their legal status. CRISPR editing does not require transgenes, making CRISPR crops more socially acceptable than genetically modified crops, but there is vigorous debate over how to regulate these crops and what precautionary measures are required before they appear on the market. This article reviews intended outcomes and risks arising from the site-directed nuclease CRISPR systems used to improve agricultural crop plant genomes. It examines how various CRISPR system components, and potential concerns associated with CRISPR/Cas, may trigger regulatory oversight of CRISPR-edited crops. The article highlights differences and similarities between GMOs and CRISPR-edited crops, and discusses social and ethical concerns. It outlines the regulatory framework for GMO crops, which many countries also apply to CRISPR-edited crops, and the global regulatory landscape for CRISPR-edited crops. The article concludes with future prospects for CRISPR-edited crops and their products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aftab Ahmad
- Center for Advanced Studies in Agriculture and Food Security (CASAFS), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; (A.A.); (S.H.K.); (M.Z.G.); (S.A.); (M.S.M.); (Q.S.)
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; (A.J.); (S.A.); (A.M.)
| | - Nayla Munawar
- Department of Chemistry, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Zulqurnain Khan
- Institute of Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, MNS University of Agriculture Multan, Multan 60000, Pakistan;
| | - Alaa T. Qusmani
- Biology Department, Al-Jumum University College, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 24243, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Sultan Habibullah Khan
- Center for Advanced Studies in Agriculture and Food Security (CASAFS), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; (A.A.); (S.H.K.); (M.Z.G.); (S.A.); (M.S.M.); (Q.S.)
- Center for Agricultural Biochemistry and Biotechnology (CABB), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Amer Jamil
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; (A.J.); (S.A.); (A.M.)
- Center for Agricultural Biochemistry and Biotechnology (CABB), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Sidra Ashraf
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; (A.J.); (S.A.); (A.M.)
| | - Muhammad Zubair Ghouri
- Center for Advanced Studies in Agriculture and Food Security (CASAFS), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; (A.A.); (S.H.K.); (M.Z.G.); (S.A.); (M.S.M.); (Q.S.)
- Center for Agricultural Biochemistry and Biotechnology (CABB), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Sabin Aslam
- Center for Advanced Studies in Agriculture and Food Security (CASAFS), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; (A.A.); (S.H.K.); (M.Z.G.); (S.A.); (M.S.M.); (Q.S.)
| | - Muhammad Salman Mubarik
- Center for Advanced Studies in Agriculture and Food Security (CASAFS), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; (A.A.); (S.H.K.); (M.Z.G.); (S.A.); (M.S.M.); (Q.S.)
| | - Ahmad Munir
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; (A.J.); (S.A.); (A.M.)
| | - Qaiser Sultan
- Center for Advanced Studies in Agriculture and Food Security (CASAFS), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; (A.A.); (S.H.K.); (M.Z.G.); (S.A.); (M.S.M.); (Q.S.)
| | - Kamel A. Abd-Elsalam
- Plant Pathology Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Giza 12619, Egypt;
| | - Sameer H. Qari
- Molecular Biology Central Laboratory (GMCL), Department of Biology/Genetics, Aljumum University College, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 24243, Saudi Arabia
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Ahmad A, Munawar N, Khan Z, Qusmani AT, Khan SH, Jamil A, Ashraf S, Ghouri MZ, Aslam S, Mubarik MS, Munir A, Sultan Q, Abd-Elsalam KA, Qari SH. An Outlook on Global Regulatory Landscape for Genome-Edited Crops. Int J Mol Sci 2021. [DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms222111753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The revolutionary technology of CRISPR/Cas systems and their extraordinary potential to address fundamental questions in every field of biological sciences has led to their developers being awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize for Chemistry. In agriculture, CRISPR/Cas systems have accelerated the development of new crop varieties with improved traits—without the need for transgenes. However, the future of this technology depends on a clear and truly global regulatory framework being developed for these crops. Some CRISPR-edited crops are already on the market, and yet countries and regions are still divided over their legal status. CRISPR editing does not require transgenes, making CRISPR crops more socially acceptable than genetically modified crops, but there is vigorous debate over how to regulate these crops and what precautionary measures are required before they appear on the market. This article reviews intended outcomes and risks arising from the site-directed nuclease CRISPR systems used to improve agricultural crop plant genomes. It examines how various CRISPR system components, and potential concerns associated with CRISPR/Cas, may trigger regulatory oversight of CRISPR-edited crops. The article highlights differences and similarities between GMOs and CRISPR-edited crops, and discusses social and ethical concerns. It outlines the regulatory framework for GMO crops, which many countries also apply to CRISPR-edited crops, and the global regulatory landscape for CRISPR-edited crops. The article concludes with future prospects for CRISPR-edited crops and their products.
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Abstract
The revolutionary technology of CRISPR/Cas systems and their extraordinary potential to address fundamental questions in every field of biological sciences has led to their developers being awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize for Chemistry. In agriculture, CRISPR/Cas systems have accelerated the development of new crop varieties with improved traits-without the need for transgenes. However, the future of this technology depends on a clear and truly global regulatory framework being developed for these crops. Some CRISPR-edited crops are already on the market, and yet countries and regions are still divided over their legal status. CRISPR editing does not require transgenes, making CRISPR crops more socially acceptable than genetically modified crops, but there is vigorous debate over how to regulate these crops and what precautionary measures are required before they appear on the market. This article reviews intended outcomes and risks arising from the site-directed nuclease CRISPR systems used to improve agricultural crop plant genomes. It examines how various CRISPR system components, and potential concerns associated with CRISPR/Cas, may trigger regulatory oversight of CRISPR-edited crops. The article highlights differences and similarities between GMOs and CRISPR-edited crops, and discusses social and ethical concerns. It outlines the regulatory framework for GMO crops, which many countries also apply to CRISPR-edited crops, and the global regulatory landscape for CRISPR-edited crops. The article concludes with future prospects for CRISPR-edited crops and their products.
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Turnbull C, Lillemo M, Hvoslef-Eide TAK. Global Regulation of Genetically Modified Crops Amid the Gene Edited Crop Boom - A Review. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:630396. [PMID: 33719302 PMCID: PMC7943453 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.630396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Products derived from agricultural biotechnology is fast becoming one of the biggest agricultural trade commodities globally, clothing us, feeding our livestock, and fueling our eco-friendly cars. This exponential growth occurs despite asynchronous regulatory schemes around the world, ranging from moratoriums and prohibitions on genetically modified (GM) organisms, to regulations that treat both conventional and biotech novel plant products under the same regulatory framework. Given the enormous surface area being cultivated, there is no longer a question of acceptance or outright need for biotech crop varieties. Recent recognition of the researchers for the development of a genome editing technique using CRISPR/Cas9 by the Nobel Prize committee is another step closer to developing and cultivating new varieties of agricultural crops. By employing precise, efficient, yet affordable genome editing techniques, new genome edited crops are entering country regulatory schemes for commercialization. Countries which currently dominate in cultivating and exporting GM crops are quickly recognizing different types of gene-edited products by comparing the products to conventionally bred varieties. This nuanced legislative development, first implemented in Argentina, and soon followed by many, shows considerable shifts in the landscape of agricultural biotechnology products. The evolution of the law on gene edited crops demonstrates that the law is not static and must adjust to the mores of society, informed by the experiences of 25 years of cultivation and regulation of GM crops. The crux of this review is a consolidation of the global legislative landscape on GM crops, as it stands, building on earlier works by specifically addressing how gene edited crops will fit into the existing frameworks. This work is the first of its kind to synthesize the applicable regulatory documents across the globe, with a focus on GM crop cultivation, and provides links to original legislation on GM and gene edited crops.
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