Development in gene-editing technology has moved beyond expectations as it now allows breeders to deliver a range of traits such as yield enhancement, disease resistance or quality improvement. The scientific development was the topic of discussion for the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine earlier this week. It was heard that gene-editing technology is a ‘precision-breeding’ technique that makes it possible to enhance the performance of an organism.
With various experts in the field attending the meeting, Teagasc says “an important point to make is that editing an existing variety enhances the value of that variety for the farmer or the processor, without changing any of the other traits of the original variety.”
An example of gene editing techniques was discussed including that of potato blight disease. According to research, gene editing can make precise changes to the potato’s DNA that can increase resistance to late blight, and other potato diseases, without compromising any of the important qualities of the variety. In response to the scientific research conducted, Teagasc confirmed that the modified subject required only two sprays instead of 12 sprays in order to combat blight.
However, Teagasc maintains that all available innovations, technologies and tools should be considered due to the aims of the European Commission’s Green Deal and Farm to Fork strategy of a 50% reduction in the use of chemical inputs and a 20% decrease in nutrient inputs on cropping systems.
LSL News.