Genome editing: A game-changer for healthier harvests

Imagine a future where crops can withstand the toughest droughts, fight off pests without the need for harmful chemicals, and offer more nutrition in every bite. That future might be closer than we think, thanks to genome editing, which is a game–changer for farmers and consumers alike.

In this episode, Chantel Arendse, the plant biotechnology lead at CropLife SA, notes that “genome editing refers to a collection of plant breeding tools that allow plant breeders to make targeted changes in plants to improve them and develop better varieties”.

For instance, if there’s a need to make a plant more resistant to a specific pest, these tools can be programmed to alter the DNA in the areas related to pest resistance. Similarly, if a plant needs to become more tolerant to drought, genome editing can be used to tweak the specific genes associated with drought resilience.

The future of plant breeding

In contrast to traditional plant breeding methods, genome editing significantly speeds up crop improvement.

“With earlier methods, breeders would combine two parent plants – one with drought tolerance and one with insect resistance, and produce thousands of offspring. The challenge was finding that one individual with both desired traits, which required time and extensive screening.”

However, genome editing skips this labour-intensive process by directly modifying the plant’s DNA, making breeding more precise, predictable, and efficient.

“We can accelerate these breeding changes so that we don’t take years and years. Instead, we shorten the process to just a couple of years, which is important because we don’t have the luxury of time. We need to ensure we’re producing enough food for everyone, and this tool will help,” explains Arendse.

While genome-edited crops are not yet commercially available in South Africa, the technology has already seen success elsewhere. “In the US, for example, there’s a genome-edited soybean variety used to produce a healthier soybean oil that has a longer shelf life. There’s also a mustard green salad leaf that has been edited to reduce its bitterness and enhance its nutritional value, with elevated levels of vitamins and micronutrients.”

Arendse emphasises that genome editing is significant for South Africa. “These global successes demonstrate the potential of the technology, and that same potential can be applied locally to address agricultural challenges here in South Africa.”