You should read this paper because….

December 1st, 2021

Gene drive strategies of pest control in agricultural systems: Ensuring durability of this technology?

In this perspectives paper, Mathieu Legros (and co-authors, from the biotic threats team) explain the recent advances in gene editing technologies and discuss how these could be potentially applied to pest control problems in agriculture. There are still many uncertainties around what role this technology may play in future management options to control pest invertebrates, weeds and crop diseases. However, for these ideas to move from laboratory-based proof of concepts to real options for producers that can be integrated into farming systems we need to start thinking about the challenges now. We need to conduct risk analyses and plan stewardship activities at the same time as developing the technology. doing this now not only ensures that this technology will move from being technically feasible to being used by producers at scale but will also prolong the durability of these types of technologies in farming systems.

Legros, M.Marshall, J. M.Macfadyen, S.Hayes, K. R.Sheppard, A., & Barrett, L. G. (2021). Gene drive strategies of pest control in agricultural systems: Challenges and opportunitiesEvolutionary Applications142162– 2178https://doi.org/10.1111/eva.13285