Learning Lessons from Nature: Gene Editing

As our understanding of genetics has evolved, so has our ability to cultivate more productive plants. Plant breeders are now able to base their selection decisions on what they “see” inside of a plant, rather than only what they can see on the outside. Gene editing, including use of tools like CRISPR, is an example of a modern plant breeding method. Gene editing enables plant scientists to make precise improvements within a plant’s DNA to produce a desired outcome.

An Introduction to Gene Editing

As our understanding of genetics has evolved, so has our ability to make improvements to plants. We are now able to base those decisions on what we see inside the plant, as well as what we see on the outside. One of the tools that enables this is gene editing, which allows plant scientists to make precise improvements within a plant’s DNA.

So Why the Recent Hype? Because Gene Editing:

• is more precise than other plant breeding tools, enabling improvements more quickly and predictably.
• fine-tunes a plant’s own genetic material.
• encourages broad study and discovery across public and private research teams because it is a highly accessible method.
• is showing tremendous promise in multiple fields—including human medicine where researchers are applying the science to treat patients suffering from chronic or fatal conditions.

Who Could Benefit?

Consumers: Improvements can be made to the foods people rely on (such as increasing nutritional value or eliminating allergens) while continuing to improve the environmental sustainability of global agriculture.

The Planet: Farming solutions could allow growers to use inputs (like fertilizers and pesticides) and natural resources (like water, energy and land) more efficiently.

Farmers: Better seed products could potentially make plants more resilient, which could require fewer resources in the field. 

Looking Toward the Future

Monsanto is actively exploring a number of applications of gene editing—and tools like CRISPR—in the development of seed products across our entire crop portfolio. Monsanto’s research is always focused on delivering products that solve real problems for farmers, provide for consumers and preserve our planet’s natural resources.

Though agricultural products enabled by gene editing are in the early stages of development, academics, industry researchers and policy-makers are already discussing how these tools will be managed to ensure their safe and responsible use. We’re committed to this conversation, and to assuring that farmers, regulators and consumers are confident in the sound science that supports the safety of products developed using this technology.