February 7, 2024
An expert, Prof. Olalekan Akinbo, says genome editing technology can improve a wide range of crop plants, including those that support food security.
Akinbo, who is also a Supervisor with African Union Development Agency (AUDA -NEPAD) Centre of Excellence in Science, Technology and Innovation, said this on Wednesday in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Genome editing, or genome engineering, or gene editing, is a type of genetic engineering in which Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is inserted, deleted, modified or replaced in the genome of a living organism.
It is also a method for making specific changes to the DNA of a cell or organism.
According to don, genome editing technology is widely accessible and can help democratise the benefits of science.
“This is because they are relatively inexpensive to implement, they are being used to diversify agricultural systems and improve major and minor crops.
“The widespread accessibility of genome editing technology means that they also can be used by public sector institutions, ” he said.
The don added that it offered a level of accuracy and predictability that was previously unavailable when attempting to modify crop genomes.
“It can be used to add, remove or alter DNA in the genome. The application of this technology promises benefits,” don said.
He explained that such benefits for consumers included nutritional enhancement, improved food safety and reduced income waste.
“For farmers, it is resistance to diseases, weeds and pests, greater seed affordability due to cheaper seed production as well as enhanced climate resilience including tolerance to drought
“For society, this includes ecosystem services such as increased biodiversity in cropping systems.
“The opportunities and potential benefits of genome editing are widely acknowledged,” Akinbo said.
He said one of the advantages of using genome editing was that it accelerated the delivery of improved varieties to small holder farmers.
The don said genome editing was another great scientific innovation.
