Genomics and Applied Biology 2024, Vol.15, No.1, 47-53 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/gab 51 4.2 Effectiveness and challenges faced by cases in practical applications The effectiveness of CRISPR/Cas in improving cassava disease resistance is evident from the successful generation of plants with enhanced resistance to various pathogens. The precision and efficiency of CRISPR/Cas systems allow for the rapid development of disease-resistant varieties, which is crucial for a crop that is a key source of calories for millions of people. Moreover, the versatility of CRISPR/Cas tools enables the targeting of multiple genes or pathogens simultaneously, which is beneficial for breeding programs that aim to develop broad-spectrum disease resistance (Wheatley and Yang, 2020). However, there are challenges in the practical application of CRISPR/Cas technology in cassava breeding. One major challenge is the delivery of CRISPR/Cas reagents into cassava cells, which can be difficult due to the plant's recalcitrant nature to transformation. Additionally, off-target effects, where CRISPR/Cas may inadvertently edit non-target regions of the genome, can pose a risk to the safety and stability of the edited plants. Regulatory challenges also exist, as the status of CRISPR-edited plants in terms of GMO legislation varies across different countries, potentially affecting the adoption and commercialization of CRISPR/Cas-derived cassava varieties (Tang et al., 2023). 5 Ethics, Law, and Social Acceptance 5.1 Ethical issues of gene editing technology in crop improvement. The advent of CRISPR/Cas genome editing technology has brought about a significant shift in agricultural biotechnology and breeding, offering the potential to revolutionize modern agriculture. Despite its precision, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness, CRISPR/Cas technology raises ethical concerns due to the blurring of boundaries between natural organisms and genetically modified ones, leading to issues with the non-traceability of modifications. The ethical implications of gene editing in crops revolve around consumer and producer preferences, food ethics, and governance, necessitating a reevaluation of regulatory approaches to keep pace with technological advancements (Ntsomboh-Ntsefong et al., 2023). 5.2 Legal provisions and public acceptance of different countries regarding the use of CRISPR/Cas technology. The legal landscape for CRISPR/Cas technology varies across countries, with some embracing the technology for its potential to improve crop yields and resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses, while others approach it with caution due to concerns about off-target effects and unintended consequences. Regulatory concerns are significant, as they address the safety and ethical considerations associated with genome editing. Public acceptance is also a critical factor, as it can influence the adoption and utilization of CRISPR/Cas technology in agriculture. The speed at which the technology is advancing poses a challenge to the regulatory processes, which often lag behind, leading to a gap between technological capabilities and societal debates (Ntsomboh-Ntsefong et al., 2023). 5.3 How these factors affect the application of CRISPR/Cas technology in cassava breeding The application of CRISPR/Cas technology in cassava breeding is influenced by the ethical, legal, and social acceptance factors discussed above. Ethical concerns may lead to stricter regulations and oversight, potentially slowing down the adoption of CRISPR/Cas in crop improvement programs. Legal provisions can either facilitate or hinder the research and development of CRISPR/Cas-edited cassava varieties, depending on whether the regulations are enabling or restrictive. Public acceptance is crucial, as it can drive market demand for CRISPR/Cas-edited crops or lead to resistance against them, affecting the commercial viability of cassava varieties developed using this technology. Collectively, these factors play a pivotal role in determining the extent to which CRISPR/Cas technology can be applied to cassava breeding and the realization of its potential benefits in agriculture. 6 Outlook and Conclusion The trajectory of cassava disease resistance research is poised for significant advancements, leveraging the synergy between traditional breeding methods and the revolutionary CRISPR/Cas technology. Traditional breeding has been instrumental in identifying and utilizing naturally occurring resistance, as evidenced by the
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