GM Crops & Food

Climate change presents a formidable challenge to global agriculture, with rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events threatening crop yields and food security. In this critical juncture, Genetic Modification (GM) and Genome Editing (GE) technologies emerge as indispensable tools for mitigating the adverse effects of climate change on crop production. These innovative approaches leverage our understanding of plant genetics to enhance resilience, adaptability, and productivity in the face of changing environmental conditions. GM technologies involve the deliberate alteration of an organism's genome, often by introducing genes from different species, to confer specific traits such as drought tolerance, pest resistance, or improved nutrient utilization. Similarly, GE techniques enable precise modification of a plant's genetic makeup, allowing for the targeted enhancement of desirable characteristics. Together, these technologies offer promising solutions to address the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change to agriculture, helping secure our global food supply in an era of climatic uncertainty. This Article Collection will focus on the use of diverse applications of GM and GE technologies in safeguarding crop yields and bolstering food resilience in a changing climate.

The importance of GM and GE technologies in addressing crop yield losses from climate change cannot be overstated. Climate change-induced factors, such as prolonged droughts, increased heat stress, and evolving pest pressures, are causing significant reductions in crop yields worldwide. GM and GE technologies provide a targeted and scientifically sound approach to develop crop varieties that are more resilient to these challenges. By creating plants with traits like drought tolerance, pest resistance, and improved nutrient uptake, these technologies help ensure a stable and sustainable food supply. Their significance lies in safeguarding global food security, mitigating economic losses for farmers, and minimizing environmental impacts associated with increased land use and chemical inputs.

The goal of this Article Collection is to highlight the crucial role that GM and GE technologies play in safeguarding global food security and advancing sustainable agricultural practices while addressing the pressing issue of climate-induced crop yield losses. By exploring the principles, applications, ethical considerations, and potential challenges of these biotechnological tools, we aim to empower readers with knowledge on innovative strategies for bolstering agricultural resilience in a changing climate. We invite manuscripts, including original research and reviews, that propose innovative strategies along these lines, not limited to the following:

1. Principles of GM and GE Technologies
   • Understanding the genetic basis of crop modification
   • Techniques and tools used in genetic modification and editing
2. Climate-Resilient Crop Varieties
   • Biotic-tolerant crops: pests, diseases, etc.
   • Abiotic-tolerant crops: drought, temperature, heat, ultraviolet radiation, etc.
   • Improved nutrient utilization
3. Ethical and Environmental Considerations
   • Ethical dilemmas surrounding genetic modification and editing
   • Environmental impacts and ecological sustainability of GM crops
4. Challenges and Future Prospects
   • Regulatory hurdles and public perception
   • Advancements in Biotechnology: What the Future Holds

Dr. Gideon Mmbando is a prominent biotechnologist with a passion for harnessing the power of genetic engineering to breed abiotic stress-tolerant crops. He earned his Ph.D. in Molecular and Chemical Life Sciences from Tohoku University in Japan before embarking on a remarkable career. His groundbreaking research focuses on understanding the ultraviolet-B (UVB) stress mechanism in African rice cultivars and the use of genetic engineering for developing tolerant varieties. Dr. Mmbando's innovative work has led to an understanding of the UVB sensitivity of African rice and the creation of tolerant varieties. His dedication to pushing the boundaries of biotechnology in developing countries such as Africa continues to improve food security globally. He is currently working as a lecturer at the Department of Biology at the University of Dodoma, Tanzania. His interest is still focused on developing biotic and abiotic crop varieties using recent emerging molecular techniques.

Prof. Jun Hidema’s specialties are plant physiology and molecular cell biology. His research interest is in the mechanisms of plant damage and repair caused by ultraviolet radiation in sunlight, and the mechanisms of plant adaptation strategies to solar ultraviolet radiation.

All manuscripts submitted to this Article Collection will undergo a full peer-review; the Guest Advisor for this collection will not be handling the manuscripts (unless they are an Editorial Board member). Please review the journal scope and author submission instructions prior to submitting a manuscript.

The deadline for submitting manuscripts is April 30th, 2024.

Instructions for AuthorsSubmit an Article