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How can genetic engineering change crop traits such as disease resistance and drought tolerance?
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gene editing
The CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing complex from the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes.
Genetic engineering allows scientists to enhance crop traits by precisely modifying, replacing, or introducing specific genes that are not naturally present or are inefficiently expressed in a plant.12
To improve disease resistance and drought tolerance, researchers utilize several approaches:
- Gene Modification and Replacement: Scientists can correct or compensate for dysfunctional genes that limit a plant's natural ability to withstand environmental stress or pathogens. By modifying these internal genetic sequences, they can bolster the plant's inherent defense mechanisms.1
- Introduction of New Genes: Researchers can introduce genes from other organisms that confer specific advantages. For example, by inserting genes that produce insecticidal toxins, such as those from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), crops can be made resistant to specific pests that might otherwise weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to disease.13
- Advanced Editing Tools: Technologies like CRISPR enable precise "genomic surgery." This allows scientists to turn off specific genes to study their function or introduce targeted mutations that help crops better endure weather extremes, such as drought, or resist infections.45
These interventions aim to increase agricultural productivity and support sustainability by reducing the need for chemical inputs.1