Can genome editing help transitioning to agroecology?

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Biotechnology
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Climate change necessitates agroecological transition strategies.
• Plant breeding, including genome editing, is key to developing resilient crops.
• Assessing new technologies like genome editing requires a multidisciplinary approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review scientific knowledge on genome editing for agroecological transition.
• To evaluate the contributions, limitations, risks, and socio-economic implications of genome editing in this context.
• To synthesize insights from biological, agronomic, economic, and social sciences.

Main Methods:

• Multidisciplinary literature review.
• Synthesis of scientific knowledge on genome editing applications in agriculture.
• Analysis of potential benefits, risks, and controversies.

Main Results:

• Genome editing presents significant opportunities for developing adapted plant genotypes.
• Potential risks and socio-economic implications require careful consideration and assessment.
• Controversies surrounding genome editing necessitate ongoing scientific and public discourse.

Conclusions:

• Genome editing can be a valuable tool for agroecological transition, but requires careful management.
• Further research is needed to fully understand and mitigate potential risks.
• Integrating genome editing into agroecological systems demands consideration of ethical and social factors.