A New “Super Wheat” Created Through Gene Editing

 China has approved its first gene-edited wheat variety, signaling a major step toward wider acceptance of genetically modified food crops in the country. The newly approved wheat was edited to improve disease resistance by altering the plant’s existing genes rather than adding foreign DNA, a method many scientists consider safer and more precise. This move is especially important because China is the world’s largest producer and consumer of wheat, and boosting crop resilience is key for food security. The approval also aligns with China’s recent efforts to expand the use of gene-edited and genetically modified crops, following similar decisions involving corn and soybeans, even as public hesitation toward GM foods remains a challenge.

Link : https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/china-approves-first-gene-edited-wheat-step-open-up-gm-tech-food-crops-2024-05-08/

Additional link: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/The-CRISPR-Cas9-system-is-utilized-to-improve-wheat-grain-quality-by-precisely-editing_fig4_372910165

Commentary: Researchers used gene editing to create a new wheat strain that is resistant to drought and fungal infections. The edited wheat has higher yield potential and requires fewer pesticides, making it more sustainable for global food production. This article shows how genetics is not only used in medicine but also in solving environmental and agricultural challenges. Genetically edited crops could help feed growing populations while reducing climate impacts, though public concerns about GMOs still influence acceptance.