Dear Colleagues,

In these times, the word “genetics” has resonated in the common vocabulary of people. It emerges as a promising approach to address many of the current issues. In the agri-food system, it becomes a key tool, which, along with new technologies, could mean the production of food for the world's population. However, it is important to consider the global context of the situation in which we find ourselves immersed. For this reason, it is necessary to introduce, along with the words “genetics” and “genetic improvement”, the term “food sovereignty” and what comes with it. This entails the production and distribution of food in a just, sustainable, and socially equitable manner.

Traditional genetic improvement has been fundamental in developing plant varieties with improved agronomic traits, such as yield, disease resistance, and adaptation to different climates. However, modern technologies have greatly accelerated and expanded this process. Gene editing, particularly CRISPR-Cas9, has enabled scientists to modify genes precisely and efficiently, opening the door to creating crops with specific traits without the introduction of foreign genetic material.

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has revolutionized the identification of genes associated with desirable traits, facilitating the selection of plants more rapidly and accurately. Furthermore, modern biotechnology has facilitated the transfer of genes between species, allowing the introduction of beneficial traits, such as pest resistance or higher nutritional content, in crops relevant to human consumption.

Omics technologies, such as genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics, provide a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying traits of interest, facilitating the identification of targets for genetic improvement.

These advances in plant genetics and the tools used play a crucial role in creating crops that are more resilient, productive, and adapted to a changing environment. As the world's population continues to grow, these innovations are essential to ensure food security and sustainability. Therefore, responsible deployment of these technologies is necessary to balance technological progress with ethical responsibility and sustainable benefits for humanity and the environment. Together, genetic improvement and emerging technologies promise a more resilient, sustainable, and adaptable agricultural future to meet the changing needs of our world.

Dr. Ingrid Georgina Orce

Section editor