Benefits and risks of gene drives for invasive plant management - the case for common tansy

Frontiers in Agronomy

Agronomy

Roger L. Becker¹  Neil O. Anderson²  Lori Croghan²  Alan G. Smith²  Matthew A. Tancos³ 

[1] Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States;Department of Horticultural Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States;Foreign Disease-Weed Science Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Frederick, MD, United States;

关键词: gene drive;    invasives;    common tansy;    weed management;    genetic biocontrol;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fagro.2023.1290781

 received in 2023-09-08, accepted in 2023-10-09,  发布年份 2023

来源: Frontiers

【 摘 要 】

Invasive plants cause significant environmental and economic damage, but land managers have few control options. Common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) is prevalent in many US states and is one of the most reported invasive plants in Minnesota. Controlling common tansy poses a challenge due to its extensive distribution and association with diverse plant communities. A gene drive is being explored as a genetic biocontrol method for the management of several non-native invasives, including common tansy in North America. Gene drives have emerged as a novel biotechnology application with potential to improve public health, promote conservation, and increase agricultural productivity. In common tansy, gene drives could be developed to target genes that would reduce or eliminate female fertility and consequently inhibit common tansy seed production. Using common tansy as an example, we outline risks associated with the use of gene drive technology for invasive plant control and explain how risks may be mitigated. Understanding potential benefits and risks associated with gene drives in the early stages of development is crucial. Mitigating risks, receiving stakeholder input, and navigating the regulatory environment will play an important role in gene drive development and deployment.

【 授权许可】

Unknown   
Copyright © 2023 Croghan, Smith, Tancos, Anderson and Becker