Unlike genetically modified organisms, whose DNA are altered with foreign genes, the DNA of genetically edited organisms tweaks a plant’s own genes. The technology, experts say, could be used to develop healthier, tastier, all around better versions of the fruits we buy every day: bananas with mega amounts of antioxidants, or apples that don’t turn brown after slicing. (A genetically modified version of the latter already exists.) Tooling around with a plant’s genes to give said plant more desirable traits sounds sort of like a souped-up version of the conventional plant breeding farmers have performed since the beginning of time to grow everything from heartier strains of wheat to purple cauliflower. “But conventional breeding takes many years, and it transfers desirable traits along with undesirable traits,” says Chidananda Nagamangala Kanchiswamy, a biotechnologist and author of a new editorial on the future of genetically edited crops. “With genome editing tools, you can mute or overexpress genes of interest with more control and accuracy.” Cool—or crazy? It depends who you ask. But things do start to sound a little sketchy when biotech experts start in about how genetically edited produce might be a way to get past the GMO regulations that currently exist in Europe—regulations that many consumers hope will eventually become reality here in the U.S. Thankfully, more research is needed, and the day that you see GEOs in your produce aisle is still likely years away. In the meantime, might we suggest honing your own backyard gardening skills?
