Integrating biofortified crops into community development programs

MacDonald, Carolyn

doi:10.18697/ajfand.78.harvestplus12

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…This will help in identifying the most effective genetic targets and cultivation practices, facilitating evidencebased decision-making in biofortification research and implementation. Global collaboration is set to increase as scientists, governments, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector work together on a global scale [51]. This international cooperation will facilitate the exchange of knowledge, resources, and best practices, accelerating the pace of biofortification research and deployment.…”

Section: Future Aspects In Genomic Approaches For Biofortifica-tionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Advancing Nutritional Quality through Genomic Approaches for Biofortification in Cereal Crops: A Review

Bhattacharya,

Sathiyabalan,

Amir

2024

Plant Cell Biotech. Mol. Biol.

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Hidden hunger, characterized by micronutrient deficiencies, remains a pervasive challenge in marginalized regions worldwide, where the main source of sustenance is cereal crops. This review study examines how improving the nutritional value of cereal crops through genetic "biofortification" could help fight hidden hunger. It focuses on the biochemical and genetic underpinnings of zinc, iron, and critical amino acid accumulation. While conventional breeding efforts have made significant contributions, the complex genetic nature of mineral content in grains presents challenges. In response, molecular techniques such as CRISPR/Cas genome editing offer promising solutions. The paper underscores the widespread prevalence of iron and zinc deficiencies, affecting over a large population. Children under five and pregnant and lactating women in developing countries are particularly vulnerable. Biofortification, defined as the breeding of staple food crops with elevated micronutrient levels, emerges as a cost-effective and sustainable strategy to improve health in resource-poor households. It discusses the transfer of genes and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) from wild and related species to cultivated wheat, emphasizing the need for marker-assisted selection and genomic selection to accelerate breeding progress. The emergence of CRISPR/Cas genome editing techniques in recent decades has revolutionized the field of plant breeding. The paper highlights the successful application of CRISPR/Cas9 in numerous cereal crops such as rice, wheat, maize and barley, to improve crop yields and nutritional content. It also explores the potential for precise base editing and gene expression modifications. However, challenges such as transformation efficiency, specific promoters, and ethical and regulatory concerns are also mentioned and discussed. In conclusion, genetic biofortification through CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing presents a promising avenue for alleviating hidden hunger in cereal-dependent regions.

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Section: Future Aspects In Genomic Approaches For Biofortifica-tionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Advancing Nutritional Quality through Genomic Approaches for Biofortification in Cereal Crops: A Review

Bhattacharya,

Sathiyabalan,

Amir

2024

Plant Cell Biotech. Mol. Biol.

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“…The future of agriculture hinges on harnessing the transformative potential of genome editing technologies to address complex global challenges and secure food supplies for a growing population [53]. By advancing nextgeneration editing tools, integrating with innovative agricultural technologies, and fostering collaborative efforts across disciplines and borders, stakeholders can unlock new opportunities for sustainable agriculture and resilient food systems.…”

Section: Addressing Global Agricultural Challengesmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Role of Genome Editing Technologies in Sustainable Agriculture

Waghmode,

Pitha,

Banka

2024

J. Adv. Biol. Biotechnol.

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Genome editing technologies have emerged as powerful tools for making precise and targeted modifications in the DNA of living organisms, offering unprecedented opportunities to revolutionize agriculture amidst global challenges such as population growth, climate change, and diminishing resources. This review provides an overview of genome editing principles, its comparison with traditional breeding and genetic engineering methods, and the regulatory landscape governing its application. The CRISPR/Cas9 system, in particular, has revolutionized genome editing due to its efficiency, affordability, and versatility. By harnessing this system, researchers can induce specific modifications in plant genomes, enhancing traits such as yield, quality, and resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses. The review highlights recent advancements in CRISPR/Cas9 technology, including its adaptation for base editing and prime editing, which allow for precise nucleotide substitutions and broaden the scope of genetic modifications possible in crops. Addressing the regulatory environment surrounding genome-edited crops, the paper discusses existing regulations, international agreements, and ethical considerations. It emphasizes the need for science-informed regulations that balance innovation with transparency and public safety, crucial for fostering societal acceptance and facilitating global trade in genetically modified agricultural products. Furthermore, the review explores case studies and trends in genome editing applications across different crop species, illustrating how these technologies are being employed to address challenges in agriculture. From improving disease resistance to optimizing nutrient content and environmental adaptation, genome editing offers a pathway towards sustainable crop improvement. Looking forward, the review outlines future prospects and challenges in the field, including potential limitations such as off-target effects and the need for enhanced precision in editing techniques. It underscores the importance of integrating genome editing with conventional breeding methods to optimize agricultural productivity and resilience in the face of evolving environmental pressures. Genome editing holds immense promise for enhancing global food security and sustainability. By elucidating the current landscape of genome editing technologies and their applications in agriculture, this review aims to provide a comprehensive resource for policymakers, regulators, researchers, and the public, facilitating informed decision-making and supporting the responsible deployment of these transformative technologies in agriculture.

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